Mary Cosby’s Son Robert Cosby Jr., 23, Dies; Salt Lake Police Open Death Investigation and RHOSLC Production Pauses
Robert Cosby Jr., the 23-year-old son of mary cosby and a recurring presence on The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, has died after Salt Lake City police responded to an overdose call that became a death investigation. The development has halted planned production on the next season and prompted an outpouring of responses from family, cast members and show figures while officials continue to investigate.
Immediate circumstances of Robert Cosby Jr. 's death
Salt Lake City police officers responded to what was initially described as an overdose call at about 6: 14 p. m.; the situation subsequently was treated as a death investigation. Police confirmed his death, and the cause of death was not yet clear as the medical examiner continues its inquiry.
Family statement and public expressions of faith
Mary Cosby and her husband, Robert Cosby Sr., released a statement saying their son had been "called home to the Lord, " that they are grieving yet finding comfort in their faith, and that they are grateful for prayers while they cope with this sorrow. The show's network issued a separate message expressing heartbreak and offering condolences to the family.
mary cosby and on‑camera conversations about addiction
Robert had appeared alongside his mother on the Salt Lake City series and spoke openly on camera about his struggles with substance abuse. He said he began experimenting with drugs at 16 and acknowledged use of multiple substances, including Xanax, acid, Molly, cocaine and Adderall. That candid conversation on the program was described as a standout moment for the series, and Mary and her son later said the discussion was not preplanned; cameras started rolling and they spoke as they were, which led to a significant viewer reaction.
Legal troubles, rehab and recent jail release
Coverage of recent events notes multiple legal issues: one account referenced eight charges mentioned during a season six reunion that aired Jan. 20, including a protective order violation involving his wife, Alexiana Smokoff. Other coverage described more than a dozen charges stemming from September through November related to violations of orders to stay away from Alexiana Smokoff. In December, he pleaded guilty to assault and to violating a protective order. He had entered rehab in 2024; Mary later confirmed during a late‑year television appearance that he completed treatment and emerged a changed person. In early February he celebrated his release from jail with social posts, and Mary publicly thanked people for their prayers and support.
Production pause and franchise context
Planned filming for the next season of The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City was gearing up this week but has been put on hold while the Cosby family copes with the tragedy. This pause is not unprecedented for the broader franchise: previous seasons have been suspended or altered for real‑life events, including instances when a principal cast member served a prison sentence and when multiple cities suspended production amid positive COVID tests in November 2020. One show in the franchise recently continued without a cast member during an absence, while another production stopped filming full seasons until that cast member returned; those differing approaches show how production decisions have varied in past disruptions. New episodes from other series in the franchise are currently airing as part of the 2026 TV schedule.
Reactions from cast and show figures
Figures associated with the series publicly expressed sorrow. A high‑profile show figure shared that the news was devastating and sent love to the family on social media. Cast members and peers reacted as well: one castmate posted a broken‑heart emoji on her social story, another said she was sending prayers, and others posted condolences. Under an Instagram post that shared the family statement, a reaction from Heather Gay was cut off in the provided context and thus is unclear in the provided context.
Details in the coverage include several overlapping accounts of charges, timelines and statements; some specifics vary across those accounts. Investigators continue work to determine the official cause of death, and further information may emerge as the medical examiner's review proceeds.
