Robert Cosby Jr. Cause of Death Confirmed: Tragic Struggles of Mary Cosby's Son

The 23-year-old son of The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star Mary Cosby, Robert Cosby Jr., has sadly passed away. The reality show star announced the sad news on Instagram.

She wrote: 'Our beloved son Robert Jr. has been called home to the Lord. 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.'

Meanwhile, law enforcement confirmed the Robert Jr.'s caused of death, revealing the tragic struggles of the reality show star's son.

Robert Cosby Jr., 23, Cause of Death Confirmed

On Wednesday, 25 February, The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star confirmed the death of his son in an Instagram post.

Clayton Simms, attorney for the Cosby family, also shared a statement, which read:

'Robert Sr. and Mary Cosby are mourning the loss of their beloved son, Robert Clinton Cosby, Jr. His untimely passing is hard to comprehend, and the Cosby's are struggling to understand how someone so young and full of life could be gone so soon. Robert Jr.'s warm spirit, humor and kind heart will be missed.'

Simms added, 'A favorite bible passage of the Cosby family is Ecclesiastes 1:2-8, which touches upon the idea that human pursuits, pleasures and accomplishments are fleeting and futile without spiritual purpose.'

Meanwhile, The Hollywood Reporter, citing the Salt Lake City Police Department, confirmed that officers responded to an overdose call at approximately 6:14 p.m. on Monday, 23 February, which later became a death investigation. The department also formally confirmed his passing to the outlet.

Additionally, PEOPLE reported that it had obtained Salt Lake City police dispatch audio from the Utah home. In the recording, a '23-year-old male', believed to be Robert Jr., can be heard described as 'not conscious' and 'not breathing.'

The audio also revealed that Robert was given one dose of Narcan, an over-the-counter nasal spray used to reverse life-threatening opioid overdoses, as he was in a 'full arrest/medical emergency.'

Robert Cosby Jr.'s Struggle with Drugs

On Robert Jr.'s appearance on the reality show's season 5, he talked about his substance abuse problems with his mum. He shared that he began taking drugs such as Xanax, acid, Molly, and cocaine when he was 16. 'I wanted to die at the time,' he confessed, adding, 'You know how that would kill me?'

Mary also revealed on the season six reunion of The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City that her son was in jail due to eight charges, including a violation of a protective order involving his wife, Alexiana Smokoff.

She also talked about her son's relapse after he attended rehab in 2024, which she confirmed during a Watch What Happens Live appearance in December that year. She said, 'He did an excellent job. He came out a new person.'

Earlier this month, Robert Jr. was released from jail, even posting several photos on Instagram saying he is 'back'.

Mary also announced his released thanking everyone for their prayers. In the caption, she wrote: '#godfirst Love you all🙏❤️ My Beautiful Son.. I love him sm❤️🙏.'

Condolences Poured In

In a statement shared by Bravo, they said that they're 'heartbroken' to learn the sad news. They wrote: 'We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Mary's beloved son, Robert Jr. 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.'

On Threads, Bravo boss Andy Cohen also shared his condolences on Wednesday. He wrote: 'Devastatingly sad news out of SLC. 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.'

Mary's co-star also sent their condolences, Heather Gay wrote, 'There are no words big enough. We love you Mary,' Lisa Barlow commented a series of red heart emojis, while Whitney Rose added, 'Sending you all my love Mary. So sorry for your loss.'

The lawyer said that the Cosby family asks for privacy during this difficult time.