Robert Cosby Jr., Son of 'Real Housewives' Star Mary Cosby, Dies at 23
Mary Cosby, a prominent cast member of Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, is mourning the tragic loss of her son, Robert Cosby Jr., who passed away at the young age of 23. The heartbreaking news was confirmed by Mary and her husband, Robert Cosby Sr., through an emotional Instagram post shared on Wednesday.
Parents Share Heartfelt Statement on Social Media
"Our beloved son Robert Jr. has been called home to the Lord," the grieving parents expressed in their statement. "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."
Suspected Overdose Leads to Death Investigation
According to police dispatch audio obtained by the New York Post, Robert Cosby Jr. died on Monday in Utah after officers responded to a possible overdose call. The emergency involved a 23-year-old male who was reported as "not conscious" and "not breathing" during what was described as a "full arrest/medical emergency."
First responders administered one dose of Narcan, an opioid countermeasure, and requested three additional units to the location. Unfortunately, by the time backup arrived, the situation had escalated from an overdose response to a death investigation. The official cause of death has not yet been confirmed by authorities.
Public Struggle with Addiction Documented on Reality Television
The topic of Robert Cosby Jr.'s sobriety had been openly discussed on Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, bringing his personal battles into the public eye. During the show's fifth season, which aired in November 2024, Robert Jr. engaged in an emotional conversation with his mother about his longstanding struggle with drug addiction.
He revealed that he had been using both prescription and recreational drugs since age 16, beginning with Xanax at a party. His substance use progressed to include Adderall and OxyContin, with Robert Jr. admitting to taking as many as ten pills at once during the height of his addiction. The situation deteriorated further when he tried heroin, which left him feeling suicidal.
Raw Emotional Confession Captured on Camera
"I felt like a stain — I just felt like this world wasn't for me," Robert Jr. told his mother during the poignant episode. "You're the only reason I didn't kill myself."
In a subsequent episode from December 2024, Mary Cosby shared that her son had completed a month-long rehabilitation program when he was 21 years old. "He completed it. He did an excellent job. He came out a new person," she reported optimistically at the time.
Recent Legal Troubles and Personal Challenges
Robert Cosby Jr.'s death follows several months of personal turmoil and legal issues. His wife, Alexiana Smokoff, whom he secretly married in 2022, filed for divorce recently. In September 2025, Robert Jr. was arrested on multiple charges including assault and trespassing after allegedly attempting to break into his father-in-law's residence where Smokoff was staying.
He also faced a DUI charge in 2022, to which he ultimately pleaded guilty. These incidents highlighted the ongoing challenges he faced despite previous attempts at recovery.
Mother's Recent Comments at Reality Show Reunion
During the Real Housewives of Salt Lake City Season 6 reunion last month, Mary Cosby addressed her son's most recent arrest with a mixture of concern and resignation. "I'm not worried about him," she stated. "I know he's somewhere where he's not using."
Mary explained that she had chosen to "step back" to allow her son to "learn" from his experiences. "Unfortunately he's learning the hard way, but I'm OK 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," she concluded with heartbreaking foresight.
The tragic passing of Robert Cosby Jr. serves as a sobering reminder of the devastating impact of addiction, even within families in the public eye. His story, documented through reality television, highlighted both the struggles of substance abuse and a mother's unwavering love through unimaginable challenges.
