Mary Cosby’s son Robert Cosby Jr. dies at age 23
Robert Cosby Jr., son of “The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” star Mary Cosby, has died at the age of 23. Andy Cohen and others paid tribute.
Robert Cosby Jr., 23, the son of “Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” star Mary Cosby, has died, police said.
Salt Lake City Police Department Public Information Officer Robert Cosby Jr. passed away on Monday, February 23rd. Greg Wilking confirmed this to USA TODAY over the phone on Wednesday, February 25th. TMZ was first to report the news.
“Our beloved son Robert Jr. has been called to be with the Lord,” Mary Cosby told USA TODAY in a statement Wednesday. “Our hearts are broken, but we are comforted by God’s promises and knowing that He is finally at peace. We are grateful for your prayers and for your trust in the Lord to carry us through this time of sadness.”
Mary Cosby has been a major cast member on the Bravo series for several years, forming part of the backbone of the original cast. She left in the third season and then returned.
“I am heartbroken to learn of the passing of Mary’s beloved son Robert Jr.,” Bravo said in a statement to USA TODAY on Wednesday. “Mary is a valued member of our family and our thoughts, love and deepest condolences go out to her and her loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.”
cause of death of robert cosby jr.
The cause of death has not yet been confirmed.
Salt Lake City police said the investigation into Cosby’s death is still ongoing, saying authorities responded to a call of an overdose on Monday and the death has now been turned over to the medical examiner’s office.
Andy Cohen mourns the death of Robert Cosby Jr.
“Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” executive producer Andy Cohen spoke about Cosby Jr.’s death in a thread on Wednesday.
“Devastatingly sad news from (Salt Lake City),” Cohen wrote. “This is every parent’s worst nightmare. Our hearts are broken for Mary. We send all our love to her and Robert Sr.”
Mary Cosby confronts son Robert Cosby Jr. about drug abuse
Robert Cosby Jr. has been featured several times on “RHOSLC,” including a candid and emotional conversation he had with his mother about his substance abuse issues.
Cosby Jr., who Mary Cosby said was a straight-A student and an honor roll student, told his mother that he had been taking Xanax, along with a host of other drugs, since he was 16 years old.
“I don’t judge you. I can try to help you, but you have to help yourself because I’m not going to support you,” a tearful Mary Cosby told her son. “You know I’m not.”
“I’m so disappointed in myself,” she added in a confessional interview. “I feel like I let him down somewhere. I know Robert smoked weed, I know he would eat edibles, but I still trusted him in my heart and thought he would stop there. And I was clearly wrong.”
The 23-year-old is the only child of Mary and Robert Cosby Sr., who married in 1998. The senior Cosby was previously married to Mary’s grandmother, leading to much speculation both on and off the show.
Mary, whose conversations with Cosby Jr. were praised for their kindness at the time of the broadcast, has been supportive of Cosby Jr. in recent years and candidly talked about his struggles.
“All I can do is push him, encourage him, love him, and that’s what I’m doing,” she said during an appearance on SiriusXM’s “Reality Checked” in September. “I have hope and I believe in him. … I know he has all the tools and all the will, willpower and support he needs.”
Robert Cosby Jr.’s secret marriage and divorce
According to TMZ, Cosby Jr. reportedly married his girlfriend Alexiana Smokov in August 2022 after eloping in a courthouse ceremony.
After Mary heard rumors of Cosby Jr.’s marriage, he broke the news to Mary Cosby on the 2023 season 4 premiere of RHOSLC.
The “Real Housewives” star previously recalled that Cosby Jr. and Smokov were dressed up and “rushing to go do something,” but she hadn’t finalized plans for her son’s wedding. “They both live in my house, but we don’t see each other very often,” Mary Cosby said, according to People magazine. “We kind of have our own wings.”
However, in November, Smokov filed for divorce after three years of marriage, according to TMZ and People magazine.
Robert Cosby Jr. arrested months before death
According to People magazine, Cosby Jr. has had his fair share of legal troubles, including an arrest for drunk driving in 2022. He reportedly pleaded guilty to this crime in exchange for other charges being dropped.
According to People magazine, Cosby Jr. was arrested in September on multiple charges, including trespassing and assault, after an incident at his stepfather’s house. Mary Cosby later told the magazine that Cosby Jr. and Smokoff snuck out to be together after Smokoff “moved out” from Mary’s home, prompting Smokoff’s parents to report Cosby Jr. for trespassing.
“I was so hurt at the time. I was devastated, I was worried, I was scared,” Mary Cosby said. “But sometimes things happen for a reason, to show you the path you’re on. I feel like he needed that, and I think he understands that it’s the wrong journey.”
According to People magazine, Cosby Jr. was arrested again in November for violating a pretrial protection order. He was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail and ordered to remain in custody until his sentencing in February.
This story has been updated to add new information.
If you or someone you know needs help battling substance abuse addiction, please contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
