Robert Cosby Jr., the son of Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star Mary Cosby, tragically passed away on February 23 in Utah, as confirmed by the Salt Lake City Police Department. He was only 23 years old at the time of his death, a loss that has left his family and fans in mourning.
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Following the announcement of their son’s passing, Mary Cosby and her husband, Robert Cosby Sr., released a heartfelt statement expressing their sorrow. They highlighted their faith during this difficult time, saying, “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.”
The circumstances surrounding Robert Jr.’s struggles had been well-documented in recent months. In a candid conversation with his mother during season five of RHOSLC, which aired in November 2024, he opened up about his battles with drug addiction and suicidal thoughts. Robert Jr. spoke fondly of his mother’s unwavering support, stating, “My mom has been there for me in every way,” and expressed gratitude for the public’s response to his challenges and the emotional journey they shared.
In the months leading up to his passing, Robert Jr. had been on a turbulent path. He spent two months in Salt Lake County Metro Jail, having been released just three weeks prior to his death. His legal troubles began in November 2025 when he was arrested for violating a protective order at his ex-wife’s family residence. In late November, he pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including assault and criminal trespass, coinciding with his ex-wife, Alexiana Smokoff, filing for divorce.
Mary Cosby addressed her son’s legal issues during the RHOSLC season six reunion. She expressed optimism about her son’s situation, commenting, “I’m not worried about him because he’s somewhere he’s not using.” This statement illustrated her hope for his recovery, even amidst the turmoil surrounding his recent behaviour.
Robert Jr.’s repeated encounters with law enforcement included alarming incidents, such as an attempt to break into his father-in-law’s home and assaults resulting in his need for restraint. Court documents indicated that he had previously attempted to enter the residence through a dog door and had been involved in physical altercations. These incidents, which led to his being tasered to be subdued, occurred shortly after he had publicly shared his struggles with addiction.
His battles with substance abuse were not new; Robert Jr. had been candid about using prescription medications and recreational drugs since his teenage years. He disclosed that his introduction to drugs began at a party at 16, where he first tried Xanax, ultimately leading him to misuse various substances, including Adderall and OxyContin. He had previously faced legal repercussions, having pleaded guilty to a DUI charge in 2022, adding to the list of his ongoing struggles with addiction.
While Robert Jr. sought help and support, he previously described his recovery journey as “a day-by-day journey.” He acknowledged that while he was not where he wanted to be, he was determined to continue working towards sobriety. His vulnerability and openness about his experiences resonated with many, creating a community of support around him and his mother.
In light of Robert Cosby Jr.’s death, his family has urged those struggling with similar issues to seek help. If you or someone you know is facing potential substance abuse challenges, resources such as the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP are available for assistance and guidance.
The passing of Robert Cosby Jr. is a stark reminder of the challenges that mental health and addiction can present to individuals and their families. His story, filled with both hope and heartache, highlights the importance of support, conversation, and seeking help in times of need.