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RHOSLC Star Mary Cosby's Son Robert Cosby Jr. Dead at 23
Mary Cosby's worst fears have come true.
The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star's only son Robert Cosby Jr. died Feb. 23 following a battle with drug addiction, police confirmed to E! News. He was 23.
A spokesperson for the Salt Lake City Police Department shared Feb. 25 that Robert Jr. was found dead after officers "responded to a possible overdose." The medical examiner is still investigating the cause of death.
Robert Jr.'s battle with addiction was documented on multiple seasons of the Bravo reality series. In fact, Mary—who shared her son with husband Robert Cosby Sr.—made a chilling prediction about her son's future two years prior to his passing.
During a 2024 heart-to-heart, the mother-son duo discussed his struggles with substance abuse for the first time on camera, and the reality of Robert Jr.'s dire state left Mary in tears.
"I won't judge you," she told him in a resurfaced clip on TikTok. "I can try to help you, but you've got to help yourself, because I'm not going to support it."
After Robert admitted to mixing drugs including Xanax, Molly (MDMA), cocaine and Adderall, the 53-year-old was left dumbstruck and warned her son where his addiction could lead him.
"You're blessed you wake up every day," Mary continued. "You know how many people didn't wake up today? You will die."
Robert Jr.'s response was even more gut-wrenching.
"I wanted to die at the time," he replied. "I just felt like a stain. I just felt like this world wasn't for me."
Instagram/Mary Cosby
In a confessional, Mary blamed herself for not realizing the severity of Robert Jr.'s addiction, adding, "I just feel very disappointed with myself. I feel like I let him down somewhere."
As for how Robert Jr. was faring in the days leading up to his death, he was recently released from the Salt Lake County Metro Jail earlier this month following a two-month stint, according to his attorney Clayton Simms. Although her son was serving time behind bars, the reality star viewed his prison stay as a saving grace of sorts.
"I know he's somewhere where he’s not using," she shared during RHOSLC's season six reunion, which aired last month. "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."
As for how Mary and husband Robert Cosby Sr. are coping in the wake of the tragedy, she told TMZ in a Feb. 25 statement, "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."
For a closer look at Mary and her son through the years, read on.
Instagram/Mary Cosby
Untimely Passing
Mary Cosby's son Robert Cosby Jr. died in February 2026 at the age of 23. The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star shared this sweet mother-son moment with fans on Instagram in September 2023 amid Robert Jr.'s struggles with addiction.
Instagram/Mary Cosby
Doting Mother
Just weeks before new of Robert Jr's death shocked RHOSLC fans, his proud mom posted a tribut to her son on Instagram, writing February 7, 2026, "#godfirst Love you all My Beautiful Son.. I love him sm."
Bravo
Addiction & Sobrity Journey
During season six of the Bravo series, Robert Jr. admitted to struggling with staying sober after a run-in with the law, a candid confession that brought the preacher to tears at the 2026 reunion.
Instagram/Mary Cosby
Her Beautiful Boy
Mary posted a tribute to her "beautiful son" in April 2024.
Bravo
Wedding Surprise
During a 2024 episode, Mary confronted Robert Jr. after hearing a rumor he was secretly married. His response?
"I mean, kind, yeah..." the then 20-year-old shyly admitted. "Like, I went to the courthouse."
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