A tragedy has struck the family of “The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” star Mary Cosby, as her son Robert Cosby Jr. has died at 23 years old.
Salt Lake City police confirmed the death to several outlets, including Variety, explaining that officers first responded to an overdose call on Monday. The situation later shifted into a death investigation. Authorities have not released additional details.
Robert Cosby Jr. was not just Mary Cosby’s son. He was also part of her storyline on “The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City,” where viewers watched their relationship unfold in real time. Over multiple episodes, he spoke openly about his struggles with substance use, allowing cameras to capture conversations many families face behind closed doors.
During the show’s fifth season, the mother and son shared a deeply personal exchange about his history with drugs. When she asked him when it all started, he told her he began at 16, taking Xanax, Molly, acid, and cocaine. He admitted things had spiraled out of control. Mary listened carefully and assured him she would help him get support. Shortly after that conversation aired, Robert Jr. entered treatment.
Their on-screen journey was not without tension. Mary also expressed disappointment over her son secretly getting married during the show’s run, along with concerns surrounding his legal troubles. Still, the series showed moments of vulnerability between them that resonated with viewers.
Mary joined “The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” as an original cast member in 2020. She stepped away during season three, returned as a “friend of” in season four, and resumed a full-time role in season five. The show recently wrapped its sixth season.
