The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star Mary Cosby is mourning the loss of her 23-year-old son, Robert Cosby Jr., who passed away in Utah on Monday amid a possible overdose. The family shared a heartfelt statement expressing their grief and faith, while tributes poured in from Bravo and executive producer Andy Cohen. Details of the tragedy have emerged from police reports and dispatch audio.
Oh, honey, the Real Housewives world just got a whole lot heavier. Mary Cosby, the fiery RHOSLC star, confirmed the devastating news that her only son, Robert Cosby Jr., has died at just 23. According to Salt Lake City police, officers responded to a possible overdose call on Monday evening, February 24, 2026, which turned into a death investigation after finding his body. Dispatch audio reveals the harrowing scene: Robert was unresponsive and not breathing when help arrived, and Narcan—the opioid overdose reversal drug—had already been administered by someone on site. EMS pronounced him dead at the scene, with the medical examiner still probing the cause. 😢
Speaking for herself and husband Robert Cosby Sr.—whom she married in 1998—Mary told TMZ: "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." Just weeks earlier, on February 7, Mary posted an Instagram photo of Robert with the caption, "Thank you all for your prayers. Love you," adding, "#godfirst Love you all. My Beautiful Son.. I love him sm."
Robert's life had been messy, as fans saw on the show. He secretly married 21-year-old Alexiana Arian Smokoff in August 2022 at a Utah courthouse, a bombshell that played out in season 4. Their alleged drug struggles became central to Mary's storyline, and Alexiana filed for divorce months ago. Robert faced legal woes too: a 2022 DUI arrest he pled guilty to, and more recently, a September arrest for assault, trespassing, and violating a pretrial protective order from Alexiana's family. He pled guilty to eight of 14 charges, served two months in Salt Lake County Metro Jail, and was released earlier this month—his sentencing was set for February.
On the season 6 reunion, Mary opened up about his relapse and jail time, saying she'd rather see him behind bars "than dead," explaining, “I’m not worried about him. I know he’s somewhere where he’s not using.” Last year, she told Us Weekly she was shocked by his addiction but chose not to judge: “I immediately started blaming myself... If he’s opening up enough to tell me something this crucial, then why would I judge?"
The outpouring of love has been real. Andy Cohen posted on Threads: “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.” Bravo echoed: "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."
This hits hard—every parent's fear realized in the spotlight. Will RHOSLC address it next season, or is Mary taking a beat? 💔
