After revealing his drug addiction struggles over the years as a supporting cast member on Bravo‘s Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, Robert Cosby Jr. — the son of series star Mary Cosby — has died at age 23.
“Our beloved son Robert Jr. has been called home to the Lord,” Cosby, 53, and her husband, Robert Cosby Sr., say in a statement obtained by Entertainment Weekly. “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.”
A statement from the network adds, “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.”
While Details surrounding Robert Jr.’s death were not shared, TMZ reported that he died Monday in Utah. Entertainment Weekly’s sister publication, PEOPLE, also reported that local authorities responded to a “possible overdose after receiving a call regarding a ‘full arrest/medical emergency'” earlier this week.
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EW has reached out to representatives for the Salt Lake City Police Department for more information.
Cosby and her son have long spoken about his substance-abuse problems across their run on the reality series, with the show airing heartfelt conversations between the pair about his drug addiction.
During season 5, Robert Jr. confessed that he began using both prescription and recreational drugs when he was 16, after someone offered him Xanax at a party. It got to the point where he was taking 10 oxycodone pills at once and he “couldn’t even feel it.”
When Robert Jr. noted that he “wanted to die at the time,” Cosby responded, “You know how that would kill me?”
“I felt like a stain — I just felt like this world wasn’t for me,” Robert Jr. told his mom. “You’re the only reason I didn’t kill myself.”
While making an appearance on Watch What Happens Live in December 2024, Cosby shared that her son had completed a month-long stay in rehab: “He came out a new person.”
At the end of season 6, Bravo personality Andy Cohen inquired about Robert Jr., who was in jail at the time of filming the RHOSLC reunion special.
“He went over to his ex-wife’s house, and they filed a restraining order against him, and he went back anyway, thinking that she wants him to come back and save her. I don’t know where he’s getting that from, delusional. And then, every time he’d go back over there, they’d call the police,” Cosby told Cohen through tears as to why Robert Jr. was incarcerated.
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She added, “This time, they tased him. But I’m happy. I’m in a good place, I’m not worried about him, I know he’s in a place where he’s not using. At some point, I have to step back so he can learn, and he can make his own decision. Unfortunately, he’s learning the hard way, but I’m okay with it. You just don’t want to see your kid suffer.”
Cosby said near the end of the segment that she’d “rather him be there than dead,” referencing his incarceration at the Salt Lake County Metro Jail.
After spending two months in jail, Robert Jr. was released on Feb. 3.
A few days later, Cosby shared a photo of Robert Jr. on Instagram, writing in the caption, “Love you all. My Beautiful Son.. I love him sm.”
In addition to her tenure on RHOSLC, Cosby also serves as the head of the local Faith Temple Pentecostal Church.
Cosby originated RHOSLC as an OG main cast member in 2020. She remained with the show for an additional season before sitting season 3 out. She returned in season 4 in a recurring capacity, and later rejoined the primary cast for season 5.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please contact the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.