Robert Cosby Jr., the 23-year-old son of “The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” star Mary Cosby who spoke candidly about his drug addiction during appearances on the hit Bravo series, has died, his family confirmed Wednesday.
TMZ was the first to report the news, which Mary Cosby and her husband, Robert Cosby Sr., later confirmed.
“Our beloved son Robert Jr. has been called home to the Lord,” his parents said in a 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.”
No cause of death has been revealed.
Robert Cosby Jr. appeared throughout his mom’s five seasons on “RHOSLC” and spoke openly about his struggles with drug addiction in a 2024 episode, sharing on screen with his mom that he’d abused Xanax, oxycodone, cocaine and other drugs since he was a teenager.
Viewers at the time praised his candor and the way he explained his addiction to his mother.
Mary Cosby arrives at 2025 BravoCon in Las Vegas.
Rich Polk/Bravo via Getty Images
“Sometimes, I feel like, I don’t know, just life is like this chicken without seasoning,” he said when his mother asked him if he was unhappy. “But when I get high, it’s like seasoning.”
Mary Cosby said in a confessional interview with producers: “I just feel very disappointed with myself. I feel like I let him down somewhere.”
Robert Cosby Jr.’s death comes shortly after he was released earlier this month from jail, where he’d been held after pleading guilty in November to eight charges in connection with incidents involving his estranged wife and father-in-law, including assault, criminal trespassing, violation of a protective order and violation of a jail release court order.
He was sentenced to 36 months of probation and 75 hours of community service upon his Feb. 4 release.
Bravo, which has aired “RHOSLC” since 2020, said in a statement that the network was “heartbroken” to hear the news.
“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,” the network said.
There was also an outpouring of support from Mary Cosby’s Bravo colleagues.
“I love you Mary. You did your very best,” Andy Cohen, the host and executive producer behind the “Real Housewives” shows wrote on her Instagram. “We are all praying for your family.”
Angie Katsanevas, Mary Cosby’s cast mate and close friend on “RHOSLC,” recalled the warmth Robert Cosby Jr. showed her daughter, Elektra.
“He touched many hearts and this loss has broken mine,” she wrote on Mary Cosby’s announcement post. “I will forever remember his kindness towards Elektra, his handshake and eye contact, and his soft spoken voice.”
Need help with substance use disorder or mental health issues? In the U.S., call 800-662-HELP (4357) for the SAMHSA National Helpline.