'Real Housewives' Star Mary Cosby's Son Dead After Possible Overdose

Talk about a devastating blow in the realm of reality television. On the afternoon of Tuesday, February 25, TMZreported that Robert Cosby Jr., son of The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star Mary Cosby, was declared dead on February 24 in Utah. According to the story, emergency personnel responded to a possible overdose call on the night of the 24th for a “full arrest/medical emergency” for a 23-year-old man. Sadly, upon the arrival of paramedics, things escalated into a death investigation. 

Viewers of the BravoReal Housewives franchise will recall that in the last couple of years, Mary and her son have been quite open about his struggles with substance abuse. Back in 2024, he even completed a stint in rehab, which mother and son both talked about while on the show in some capacity. At the time of publication, an official cause of death for Robert Jr. has not been released. 

Mary did find the strength to release a statement, telling TMZ:

"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."

Bravo Stars and Fans Were Touched By Robert Cosby Jr.’s Story

For millions of Real Housewives of Salt Lake City fans, Robert Jr.’s struggles were gut-wrenching to watch play out on television. Especially, as he explained his reasons for experimenting with drugs. It was equally hard to watch Mary hear her son’s blatant honesty and see her have a hard time as a parent just wanting to help her child. In one particular scene of the series, back in Season 5 Episode 11, Mary was brought to tears, and so was the audience by their duo’s discussion. The Bravo family and viewers quickly rallied around the family, granting them well-wishes and hoping for the best. Here’s the tough scene in question below. 

Mary Cosby and Her Family Receive an Outpouring of Love During this Time

As expected, Mary and her family are receiving an outpouring of well-wishes and support during this difficult time. Robert Jr. was Mary’s only living child. Here are just some of the posts found on Twitter (formerly X), Instagram, and Threads. We wish both Mary and her husband, Robert Sr, peace as they navigate their grief.

My heart is BROKEN for Mary Cosby right now

Her son meant everything to her ???????? #RHOSLC pic.twitter.com/sgGBdYkzB7

— Dustin Cone (@Dustin_Cone) February 25, 2026

I’m praying for Mary Cosby, man.

There hasn’t been a reality tv kid that I wanted to see make it more than Robert Jr. I can’t imagine the pain she’s going through; that boy was l her everything.

I pray God gives her some sort of peace at this time. My heart breaks for her. ????????

— The Third King ???? (@thirdking0208) February 25, 2026

Mary Cosby let viewers see something incredibly real on RHOSLC: a mother trying to help her son through addiction in real time. It wasn’t easy to watch, but it was honest.

Addiction is a devastating disease. If you or someone you love is struggling, please seek help.…

— Erin Maguire (@Erinmaguire) February 25, 2026

Mary Cosby losing her son after everything they went through together is sincerely tragic and my heart breaks for her

— liam (@leeurhm) February 25, 2026

Then under the following post of Robert Jr. on Mary's account from two weeks ago, the Cosby family received an outpouring of love and support from Bravolebs. Recently, The Real Housewives of Atlanta Star Kandi Burruss stated: "Sending you love & prayers! ❤????????"