Heartbreaking news has hit The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City. Mary Cosby’s son, Robert Cosby Jr., has died at the age of 23. The news comes just weeks after he was released from jail. This is a developing story, but here’s what we know so far.
Robert Cosby Jr. has died just three weeks after his prison release
According to TMZ, Robert passed away on Monday, February 23, in Utah. There’s no official word on his cause of death. However, police records indicate that they were dispatched for a possible drug overdose.
Robert’s struggles with mental health and addiction were documented throughout The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City. In Season 5, he and Mary spoke candidly about his path to recovery. Mary encouraged him to keep going down the right path, and the conversation touched millions of fans. Mary said that opening up about his addiction on camera and helping others through their story was the “best thing” her family did.
Over the last year, Robert navigated a myriad of legal issues. In November 2025, he was arrested for violating a protective order that his ex-wife, Alexiana Smokoff, placed against him. He sat in jail for two months. Upon his release, he was sentenced to 36 months of probation.
Days after his release, prosecutors hit him with additional felony charges for allegedly assaulting Alexiana. She accused him of hitting, kicking, and choking her in relation to flushing his drugs down the toilet. A warrant was issued for his arrest, and he posted bail a few days later.
At the RHOSLC Season 6 reunion, Mary shared an update on Robert and broke down in tears discussing his legal troubles. She said she hoped that it would set him on a better path, and she was “happy” he was off the streets because that meant he wasn’t using.
“I’d rather him be there than dead,” Mary said through tears.
The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City is streaming on Peacock.
Reality Tea would like to send their most heartfelt condolences to Mary and her family during this tragic time.
