- RHOSLC star Mary Cosby’s son Robert Cosby Jr died at 23 on February 23, 2026, in Utah.
- Emergency responders administered Narcan after finding him unconscious and not breathing.
- The young reality star battled addiction for years, openly discussing his struggles with substances like Xanax and Oxycontin on the show.
- Mary Cosby’s heartbreaking wish that her son stay alive in jail rather than die on the outside proved tragically prophetic.
The Bravo family is coming together to support one of their members following an unimaginable tragedy. Mary Cosby, the cherished star of “Real Housewives of Salt Lake City,” is mourning the unexpected death of her only child. Robert Cosby Jr. has died at 23, just weeks after being released from jail and exhibiting signs of optimism for the future.
The reality TV community and fans are expressing immense support for the Cosby family as they face this heartbreaking situation.
What Happened to Robert Cosby Jr? Details From RHOSLC Unfold
While the medical examiner has yet to determine an official cause of death, emergency dispatch audio acquired by several outlets provides insight into the tragic incident. Authorities responded to a distress call on Monday, February 23, at 6:14 p.m., regarding a “full arrest/medical emergency” involving a young man. The dispatcher reported that a 23-year-old male was “unconscious” and “not breathing.”
First responders had already given one dose of Narcan, a drug meant to counteract opioid overdoses, but it was ineffective. The police initially looked into what was labeled a “possible overdose” before switching to a death investigation.
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When Did Mary Cosby’s Son Robert Die?
Robert Cosby Jr. passed away on Monday, February 23, 2026, in Utah. His mother confirmed the news on Wednesday, February 25, through a family statement provided to TMZ.
This news is particularly tragic as it follows closely after his release from the Salt Lake County Metro Jail on February 3, where he served two months. He had been out for less than three weeks before the unfortunate incident took place.
Who Was Robert Cosby Jr? The Son of Real Housewives Star Mary Cosby
Robert Jr. was the sole child of Mary Cosby and her husband, Robert Cosby Sr., who have been united in marriage since 1998. He grew up in the public eye, first through his mother’s Faith Temple Pentecostal Church and later on the Bravo series, where viewers witnessed his challenges unfold live.
In 2022, he secretly wed Alexiana Smokoff in a Utah courthouse, a surprise to his mother revealed during season four of RHOSLC. The couple later sought a divorce in November 2025, which was finalized just last month.
Did Mary Cosby’s Son from RHOSLC Die of an Overdose?
Although toxicology reports are still pending official confirmation, the situation strongly suggests an overdose. The 911 audio indicating the use of Narcan typically points to opioid-related issues. This tragedy coincides eerily with Mary’s foreboding comments during the season six reunion aired just the previous month.
She tearfully told Andy Cohen that while her son was in jail, she found solace in knowing he was not using drugs, stating, “I’d rather him be there than dead.” This remark has since resonated disturbingly across social media.
Robert Cosby Jr’s Struggles with Addiction Before His Death at 23
Robert’s struggle with substance abuse was documented on RHOSLC. In a candid November 2024 episode, he revealed to his mother that his addiction started at 16. He talked about mixing Xanax, Acid, Molly, and cocaine and disclosed that he had taken ten 30mg Oxycontin pills at once without experiencing the effects.
He confessed he “wanted to die” and likened himself to being “a stain” on the world. Despite having completed rehab and showing progress last fall, he continued to face legal challenges, including an arrest in November for breaching a protective order. His attorney remarked that upon his recent release from jail, Robert conveyed “deep regret” for his past decisions.
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Last Updated on February 26, 2026 by 247 News Around The World
