Robert Cosby Jr., the 23-year-traditional son of “Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” star Mary Cosby, has died in Utah, police confirmed Wednesday. Officers responding to a possible overdose call on Monday found Cosby Jr. Deceased at a home in Salt Lake City’s upper Avenues neighborhood, according to Salt Lake City Police Department spokesperson Sgt. Greg Wilking.
The investigation into his death remains active, with the case now under review by the medical examiner’s office to determine a cause of death, police said.
“Our beloved son Robert Jr. Has been called home to the Lord,” Cosby said in a statement released Wednesday. “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.”
Recent seasons of the Bravo reality series have documented Cosby Jr.’s struggles with mental health and substance abuse. He had openly discussed his addiction, admitting to experimenting with drugs starting at age 16, including Xanax, Adderall, cocaine, and acid, during an emotional on-camera conversation with his mother last year. Cosby shared with viewers that she and her son agreed to record the discussion in hopes of helping others.
“We didn’t plan on what we were going to say, but we came together, if we can help just one person then we’ll just inform our truth,” Cosby said during the season five reunion episode. Cast members and the network received praise for highlighting the issue and providing resources for those struggling with substance abuse.
Cosby Jr. Was released from jail earlier this month after pleading guilty in December to assault and violating a protective order. The charges stemmed from a series of incidents between September and November involving violations of stay-away orders related to his wife, Alexiana Smokoff.
During a reunion episode for season six, which aired last month, Cosby spoke about her son’s incarceration, stating she preferred he be in jail than potentially using drugs. “I know he’s somewhere where he’s not using,” she said. “At some point, I have to step back so that he can learn and he can produce his own decisions, and unfortunately, he’s learning the hard way. But I’m OK with it.”
Fellow “Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” cast members Whitney Rose and Lisa Barlow expressed their condolences on social media Wednesday. Rose shared a broken heart emoji, while Barlow posted a message of prayer for the Cosby family, writing, “May you feel God’s love and comfort.”
Andy Cohen, an executive producer on the show, described the news as “devastatingly sad” in a statement posted on Threads Wednesday. “This represents every parent’s worst nightmare,” Cohen wrote. “My heart is broken for Mary, and I am sending all my love to her and Robert Sr.”
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Helpline is available 24/7 at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for individuals facing substance abuse issues and their families. Information on behavioral health treatment services can be found on SAMHSA’s website.
