Mary Cosby’s Son Robert Cosby Jr. Found Dead After Overdose Call, Family Confirms
mary cosby confirmed the death of her 23-year-old son, Robert Cosby Jr., on Feb. 25, two days after Salt Lake City officers found him unresponsive following what was called a possible overdose. The discovery has prompted a death investigation and renewed attention to the younger Cosby’s recent legal and sobriety struggles.
Mary Cosby Statement and Social Media Tributes
Mary and her husband, Robert Sr., issued a joint statement saying, “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. ” mary cosby also posted a message on social media in early February 2026 that read, “#godfirst Love you all My Beautiful Son.. I love him sm. ” The family’s representative did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Salt Lake City Police Department Response and 911 Audio
Salt Lake City police officers responded to a call for a possible overdose on Feb. 23. A 911 dispatcher described the scene on the line, stating, “23-year-old male, not conscious, not breathing. One dose of Narcan has been given. ” The dispatcher also noted that “Police have been called. Three units in route. ” Authorities confirmed officers were dispatched at 6: 14 p. m., and that the medical examiner is still investigating the cause of death after the initial overdose call turned into a death investigation.
Timeline: Discovery on Feb. 23 and Confirmation on Feb. 25
Officers discovered Robert Cosby Jr. on Feb. 23; his mother confirmed his passing on Feb. 25. Emergency responders that night included fire and paramedics in addition to multiple police units. Law enforcement classified the initial response as a full arrest/medical emergency that became a death investigation upon arrival.
Legal Troubles and Rehab: Arrests, Jail Stints and Pleas
Robert Jr. ’s recent months included several legal and treatment milestones documented publicly. He had completed a 30-day rehab stint and told his mother he felt “at a standstill” in his recovery. In December he pleaded guilty to eight of 14 charges, including assault and violating a pretrial protective order obtained by his estranged wife, Alexiana Arian Smokoff, 21; six misdemeanor charges were dismissed with prejudice. His estranged wife filed for divorce four months before his death, and the two had been shown marrying at a Utah courthouse in August 2022 on camera for Season 4 of the family’s television series.
Recent detentions include a September arrest that involved alleged trespassing and assault, and an earlier DUI arrest in 2022 for which he pleaded guilty and “got out of prison in February” (unclear in the provided context which year that February references). Earlier this month he was released from the Salt Lake County Metro Jail after a two-month stint, his attorney, Clayton Simms, said, adding that the time allowed him to sober up and begin thinking clearly.
Reactions: Andy Cohen and Attorney Clayton Simms
Bravo executive Andy Cohen wrote on social media that it was “Devastatingly sad news out of SLC, ” calling the loss “every parent’s worst nightmare” and expressing his heartbreak for Mary and Robert Sr. Attorney Clayton Simms characterized his client’s recent release from custody as a chance to get sober and look forward to positive steps, and said Robert had been slow to recognize the end of his marriage but was moving forward.
What makes this notable is the way the emergency response — a 6: 14 p. m. dispatch, Narcan administration and multiple units en route — transformed an overdose call into a formal death investigation, a shift that leaves unanswered questions for the medical examiner and for a family already coping with public and legal scrutiny. The broader implication is that the intersection of addiction, legal entanglements and public life has complicated the final days of a young man whose struggles were chronicled on television.
Robert Cosby Jr. was 23 at the time of his death. His relapse and arrests were featured in Season 6 of the family’s television series, which included storylines about alleged drug use and was filmed in early 2025. Episodes depicted his conflict with his estranged wife’s family, including a November arrest for allegedly violating a restraining order that the family had obtained. Mary publicly expressed both concern and a complex reluctance to intervene fully, saying at a recent reunion that she was “not worried” and that she needed to step back so her son could make his own decisions.
The medical examiner’s investigation remains ongoing, and officials have not released a final cause of death.
