Mary Cosby’s Son Robert Cosby Jr. Dead at 23
mary cosby and her husband, Robert Cosby Sr., said their son, Robert Cosby Jr., has died. The 23‑year‑old died in Utah after police responded to a possible overdose that became a death investigation, and his family and people connected to the show have issued statements.
Salt Lake City police say officers answered an overdose call Monday evening
Salt Lake City police responded Monday night to a call described as a "full arrest/medical emergency" for a 23‑year‑old male. Fire and paramedics were dispatched, and police say the initial call involved a possible overdose; the incident then turned into a death investigation. The department has confirmed his death. A time given for the emergency in one account was about 6: 14 p. m. on Monday. The cause of death remains unclear in the provided context.
Mary Cosby and Robert Cosby Sr. issued a statement on Feb. 25
On Feb. 25, Mary Cosby and Robert Cosby Sr. released a statement about their son: "Our beloved son Robert Jr. has been called home to the Lord. Though our hearts ache, we take comfort in God’s promise and in knowing he is finally at peace. We are grateful for your prayers and trust in the Lord to carry us through this time of sorrow. "
Robert’s on‑camera conversations about addiction and early drug use
Robert made several appearances alongside his mother on the Real Housewives of Salt Lake City. He spoke candidly on the show about addiction: in a season‑five conversation he said he began taking drugs at 16, naming Xanax, acid, Molly and cocaine, and added, "I wanted to die at the time. " Mary answered him on camera, "You know how that would kill me?" Mary later reflected that she and her son hadn’t planned to discuss his struggles on camera: "my son and I didn’t even plan [to talk about that on camera]. "
Marriage, relapse, rehab and a string of legal troubles
Episodes across seasons documented personal and legal turmoil. During Season 4 there was a storyline in which Mary learned Robert had secretly married; that wedding reportedly took place in August 2022 at a Utah courthouse. The show also made Robert and his wife Alexiana Smokoff's alleged drug problems a significant part of Mary’s storyline. Alexiana Smokoff filed for divorce a couple months before Robert’s death.
Robert had several arrests: he was arrested in Utah in September on alleged crimes that included trespassing and assault; he was previously arrested for DUI in 2022, with police saying he did not have a license and disobeyed traffic laws. He pleaded guilty to the DUI and was released from prison in February. During a season‑six reunion that aired Jan. 20, Mary revealed Robert was in jail facing eight charges, including a violation of a protective order involving his wife. Earlier in that season she had discussed Robert’s relapse after he attended rehab in 2024. In December of that year Mary said on television, "He did an excellent job. He came out a new person. " In early February Robert celebrated his release from jail; Mary posted on social media under a photo of her son, "Thank you all for your prayers, " and added, "Love you. "
Public reactions and condolences from show figures and others
An additional statement offered following the news said, "We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Mary’s beloved son. Robert Jr. Mary is a cherished member of our family, and our thoughts, love, and deepest condolences are with her and her loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. " Prominent figures connected to the program also sent condolences; Andy Cohen shared, "Devastatingly sad news out of SLC. This is every parent’s worst nightmare. My heart is broken for Mary, and I am sending all my love to her and Robert Sr. " Mary’s Real Housewives of Salt Lake City co‑stars and a number of personalities from the franchise expressed sympathy as well. Heather Gay — unclear in the provided context.
