Mary Cosby's Son Robert Cosby Jr: Arrests, Addiction, and His Untimely Death

The sudden passing of Robert Cosby Jr left The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star Mary Cosby and her husband, Robert Sr, devastated. The couple confirmed reports that their 23-year-old son died on Monday, 23 February. He was found unconscious by responders who initially treated it as an overdose case.

Unfortunately, the incident turned into a death investigation when responders found Robert Jr. The 23-year-old was unconscious and not breathing at the scene.

What Happened to Cosby Jr?

In a Salt Lake City police dispatch audio, it was revealed that Cosby Jr was given an over-the-counter nasal spray to hopefully reverse the opioid overdose. The efforts of responders failed.

Robert Cosby Jr's death was confirmed by Mary and Robert Sr on Wednesday, 25 February. Devastating as it was for the couple, both thanked everyone who showed support at this difficult time.

'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,' Cosby shared on Instagram. 'We are grateful for your prayers and trust in the Lord to carry us through this time of sorrow,' she added.

A Whirlwind of Legal Issues

The tragic development comes after a harrowing few months for the 23-year-old. Back in September, Robert Jr. was arrested for assault and trespassing, TMZ reported.

Cosby Jr. was reportedly arrested for failing to heed orders by authorities. He allegedly tried to break into his father-in-law's home using the dog door. His ex-wife, Alexiana Smokoff, was reportedly staying there at the time.

With his legal woes piling up, Alexiana had had enough. She filed for divorce in the Salt Lake County District Court in November 2025. Smokoff resorted to this after Robert Jr violated a restraining order.

That September incident was just one of many other legal troubles Cosby Jr had. In 2022, the son of Mary Cosby was also arrested for driving under the influence (DUI).

Cops who apprehended Cosby at the time revealed that Robert Jr did not have a licence at the time and disobeyed traffic rules. Cosby Jr eventually pleaded guilty to the charges.

Cosby Jr's Substance Abuse Struggles

The root cause of Robert Cosby Jr's problems appears to have originated from substance abuse. The 23-year-old admitted this to his mother when he appeared in season five of The Real Housewives series.

In a heart-to-heart conversation between him and his mother, Robert Jr. admitted that he started using drugs at the age of 16. Among the substances he used included Xanax, acid, Molly and cocaine.

'I wanted to die at the time,' Cosby Jr said to his mother in a report by The Hollywood Reporter.

Although Cosby Jr. was sent to rehab, his drug problems continued. They recurred, and his parents admitted they could only do so much to help Robert Jr.

'I can just only push him, encourage him and love him. And that's what I'm doing. That's kind of where we are ... But he's still on that road and it's a hardcore road,' Cosby stated when she appeared on the 'Reality Check' radio show.

The plight of Robert Cosby Jr was unfortunate, and it appears evident that his reliance on drugs contributed to his downfall. Mary Cosby and Robert Cosby Sr did all that they could. Unfortunately, rehab and setting the 23-year-old back on the right path came too late.