Robert Cosby Jr., whose candid struggles with substance misuse were recently chronicled on “The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City,” has died.
The son of “Housewives” star Mary Cosby was found dead at a home in the upper Avenues neighborhood of Salt Lake City, a Salt Lake City police spokesperson confirmed Wednesday.
Property records indicate the home belongs to Mary Cosby. In the Utah reality TV series, Robert Cosby Jr. lived with his mom, and his occasional “Housewives” appearances were typically filmed at her home.
Police were responding Monday to a call involving a possible overdose that became a death investigation when Robert Cosby Jr. was found dead. Officials have not released a cause of death.
He was 23 years old.
“Our beloved son Robert Jr. has been called home to the Lord,” Mary Cosby said in a statement posted to Instagram on Wednesday afternoon. “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.”
(Bravo) Robert Cosby Jr., son of "The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City" star Mary Cosby, died Feb. 23, 2026, according to Salt Lake City police. He was 23.
Mary Cosby leads Faith Temple Pentecostal Church in Salt Lake City. She also serves as its main preacher. She has been a cast member, on and off, of Bravo’s “The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” since its 2020 debut.
Robert Cosby Jr. appeared on the show multiple times, most recently in open conversations with his mother about substance misuse.
On a January reunion episode of the show, Mary Cosby told host Andy Cohen that her son was in jail at the time of the episode’s December taping.
“I know he’s somewhere where he’s not using,” she tearfully told Cohen at the time. “At some point, I have to step back so that he can learn, and he can make his own decision, and unfortunately, he’s learning the hard way. But I’m OK with it.”
“It’s just — just ... you don’t want to see your kid suffer," she continued, her voice breaking. “But I know it’s good. And I’d rather him be there than dead.”
Robert Cosby Jr. was released from jail on Feb. 4 after pleading guilty in November to a misdemeanor charge of violating a pretrial order in a domestic violence case, according to court documents.
The next day, an aggravated assault charge was filed in connection with a different allegation from 2024, court documents said.
Cosby and his ex-wife, who also appeared on the reality show, finalized their divorce on Jan. 14, according to court records.
“Devastatingly sad news out of SLC,” Cohen said in a statement Wednesday on Threads. “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.”
Bravo officials also shared a statement on Instagram, saying “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.”