Mary Cosby’s Son Robert Cosby Jr. Dies at 23 | RHOSLC News

Robert Cosby Jr., the 23-year-old son of “Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” star Mary Cosby, has died in Utah, police confirmed Wednesday. The Salt Lake City Police Department responded to a call on Monday regarding a possible overdose, and found Cosby Jr. Deceased, according to a statement provided to NBC News.

While a cause of death has not yet been officially determined, the case remains under investigation by the medical examiner. Cosby shared a statement on Instagram Wednesday, expressing her grief and faith. “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 is finally at peace. We are grateful for your prayers and trust in the Lord to carry us through this time of sorrow.”

Cosby Jr.’s struggles with mental health and substance abuse have been documented on recent seasons of the Bravo reality series. The show offered a candid look into the challenges faced by both mother and son, sparking conversations about addiction and the complexities of family dynamics. During an emotional conversation in season five, Robert Cosby Jr. Revealed he began experimenting with drugs at the age of 16, admitting to abusing substances including Xanax, Adderall, cocaine, and acid. “I just felt like a stain, I felt like a stain,” he told his mother. “I just felt like this world wasn’t for me.”

Following that conversation, Cosby Jr. Entered rehab, a journey Mary Cosby discussed with viewers. She explained that they had agreed to record and broadcast their discussion with the hope 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 tell our truth,” she said during the season five reunion. Her castmates praised her for her openness and for seeking help for her son, and the network shared resources for those struggling with substance abuse.

The challenges continued, and Mary Cosby spoke about her son’s legal troubles during a season six reunion episode last month. Cosby Jr. Had been arrested and pleaded guilty in December to assault and violating a protective order, stemming from incidents between September and November involving his estranged wife, Alexiana Smokoff. Despite these difficulties, Cosby expressed a sense of relief that he was incarcerated, stating, “I know he’s somewhere where he’s not using. At some point, I have to step back so that he can learn and he can make his own decisions, and unfortunately, he’s learning the hard way. But I’m OK with it.”

News of Robert Cosby Jr.’s death has prompted an outpouring of support for Mary Cosby from within the “Real Housewives” universe and beyond. Andy Cohen, an executive producer on the series, described the news as “devastatingly sad” in a statement on Threads Wednesday. “This is 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.” Fellow cast member Whitney Rose shared a broken heart emoji on her Instagram Story.

Bravo also released a statement Wednesday, expressing their condolences. “We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Mary’s beloved son, Robert Jr.,” the statement read. “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.” Production on season seven of “The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” has been paused in light of the tragedy.

Robert Cosby Jr.’s death underscores the devastating impact of addiction and the ongoing struggles faced by individuals and families grappling with mental health challenges. His mother’s willingness to share their story on a national platform brought a level of vulnerability and honesty to the reality television landscape, and may have resonated with viewers facing similar circumstances.

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse or mental health issues, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline is available 24/7 at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). Additional resources can be found on SAMHSA’s website.