Robert Cosby Jr., the son of Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star Mary Cosby, has died at age 23.
Salt Lake City Police Department officers found Robert dead Monday night after responding to “an overdose call that turned into a death investigation,” a police spokesperson confirmed to The Independent.
Robert Cosby Jr. is the only son of Mary Cosby and her husband Robert Cosby Sr.
Mary said in a statement to TMZ Wednesday: “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.”
It comes after Robert Jr.’s estranged wife, Alexiana Smokoff, filed for divorce in November after three years of marriage. Robert Jr. was then arrested for violating a protective order from Smokoff’s family.
Before his most recent arrest, Robert Jr. had been arrested for a DUI and pleaded guilty in 2022. He was also arrested for assault in September.
He was released from the Salt Lake City County Metro Jail earlier in February after serving two months in jail.
Mary, who has been a cast member on the Bravo show since it premiered in 2020, spoke about her son’s arrests during the season six RHOSLC reunion, which filmed in December and aired last month.
“I have to step back so that he can learn, and he can make his own decision,” Mary told host Andy Cohen at the time about her son’s legal problems and substance use.
“Unfortunately he’s learning the hard way, but I’m okay with it. It’s just, you don’t wanna see your kid suffer, but I know it’s good, and I’d rather him be there than dead.”
Mary’s most recent picture on Instagram was a picture of Robert Jr. with the caption, “Love you all, My Beautiful Son.. I love him sm.”
Messages from fans and Bravo colleagues poured in on social media to pay tribute to Robert Jr. following the news of his death.
“Sending you love and prayers!” Real Housewives of Atlanta alum Kandi Burruss commented on Mary’s Instagram.
Andy Cohen wrote 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.”
