So Sad: #RHOSLC Star Mary Cosby's Son Dies At 23

• Robert Jr. struggled with substance abuse, including using Xanax, Adderall, and heroin, and contemplated suicide.
• Mary blamed herself for 'letting him down' and 'missing the mark' in addressing his addiction.
• Robert Jr. had legal troubles, including a 2025 arrest for violating a pretrial protective order.

UPDATED — 3:30 PM 02/25/2026 Mary Cosby has confirmed her son’s passing in a statement shared to Instagram. “Our beloved son Robert Jr. has been called home to the Lord,” she wrote. “Though our hearts ache, we take comfort in God’s promise and in knowing he’s finally at peace.” Below this line, the original story begins. ___________________________

There’s a heartbreaking update to share about the son of a Real Housewife of Salt Lake City. TMZ reports that Mary Cosby’s son, Robert Cosby Jr., has died at 23.

The outlet reports that Robert died Monday in Utah. Salt Lake City police responded Monday night to a call for a “full arrest/medical emergency” involving a 23-year-old male. Authorities reported that the situation became a death investigation upon arrival. TMZ adds that the official cause of death has not been confirmed, though officers initially responded to what was described as a possible overdose.

Robert Jr. had appeared alongside his mother on The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City.

He was the only child of Mary and Robert Cosby Sr., the leaders of Faith Temple Pentecostal Church in Salt Lake City. PEOPLE reports that Mary and Robert Sr. welcomed their son in 2002 after trying to start a family for four years, she revealed during a Season 5 episode.

“Robert was like the perfect child,” Mary said in a confessional interview. “He was very good in school. He got straight A’s all the way up until he graduated. When he set his mind to do something, he did it. He was like our prize, very smart, very advanced.”

Cosby made headlines in a Season 5 episode that aired in November 2024, Robert Jr., when he emotionally opened up to his mother about a years-long battle with substance abuse. He admitted he began using Xanax at 16 after trying it at a party and later abused other prescription drugs, including Adderall and OxyContin, at times taking as many as 10 pills at once. “I couldn’t even feel it,” he said. As his addiction escalated, he revealed that he had also tried heroin.

He also tearfully told his mother he contemplated suicide.

“I felt like a stain — I just felt like this world wasn’t for me,” Robert Jr. told the pastor. “You’re the only reason I didn’t kill myself.”

Mary tearfully blamed herself in subsequent episodes, telling cameras she felt she had “let him down somewhere” and “missed the mark.” “If I don’t blame myself, whose fault is it? I feel I’m responsible,” she said.

Robert Jr. later completed a month-long stint in rehab, which Mary confirmed during a December 2024 appearance on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen.

PEOPLE reports that in November 2025, he was arrested and accused of violating a pretrial protective order. That same month, he pleaded guilty to eight of 14 charges, including felony property damage greater than or equal to $5,000, two counts of violation of a pretrial protective order, assault on a peace officer, violation of a jail release court order, two counts of criminal trespass on a dwelling with intent to cause annoyance, injury or fear, and misdemeanor assault. Six remaining misdemeanor charges were dismissed with prejudice.

He was booked into Salt Lake County Jail in November 2025 and was being held without bail pending a February 2026 sentencing hearing.

On February 7, Mary posted a picture of Robert, seemingly announcing his release from jail.

Just one month ago, Mary said during the Real Housewives of Salt Lake City reunion that she was glad Robert was incarcerated, where he could not abuse drugs.

“I’m happy, I’m in a good place,” said Mary. “I’m not worried about him. I know he’s somewhere where he’s not using. At some point, I have to step back so he can learn. Unfortunately, he’s learning the hard way.”

She continued,

“You just know you don’t wanna see your kids suffer,” she added. “I”d rather him be there in jail than dead.”

Robert Cosby Jr. was 23.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has a 24/7 National Helpline for individuals with substance abuse issues and their family members. The hotline, which offers assistance in English and Spanish, can be reached at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). To find behavioral health treatment services, visit SAMHSA’s website.