Mary Cosby, a longtime star of The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, is mourning the devastating loss of her son, Robert Cosby Jr., who died at just 23 years old. The tragedy unfolded on February 23 at the family’s Utah home, where emergency responders were called after reports of an unresponsive young man.
According to dispatch audio obtained by PEOPLE, authorities received a call just before 6 p.m. local time describing a 23-year-old male who was unconscious and not breathing. When first responders arrived, Robert Jr. was reportedly in cardiac arrest. Narcan, a medication commonly used to reverse opioid overdoses, was administered at the scene, but he was ultimately pronounced dead.
What initially appeared to be a possible overdose response quickly turned into a full death investigation, according to the Salt Lake City Police Department. Officials have not released further details about the circumstances surrounding Robert Jr.’s passing as the investigation continues.
Robert Jr. had previously been open about his struggles with addiction and mental health. During season five of The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, he spoke candidly about his battle with substance abuse, revealing that his issues began when he was just 16 years old. His mother, Mary Cosby, also addressed the situation on the show, encouraging him to seek help and enter treatment.
Over the years, Robert Jr. faced several legal challenges as well. In 2022, he was arrested for DUI and accused of driving without a license. More recently, he had been dealing with additional charges stemming from incidents in late 2025. Despite these struggles, he had previously completed a rehab program after discussing his addiction and mental health concerns with his family.
Following the heartbreaking news, Mary Cosby and her husband, Robert Cosby Sr., released a joint statement expressing their grief. “Though our hearts ache, we take comfort in God’s promise and in knowing he is finally at peace,” the couple said, while thanking supporters for their prayers during the difficult time.
The tragedy has also affected production for Bravo’s The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City. Filming for season seven was reportedly scheduled to begin the same week as Robert Jr.’s death but has now been paused. Bravo issued a statement offering condolences, describing Mary as a cherished member of the network’s family.
As fans and fellow cast members share messages of support online, the Cosby family has asked for privacy while they mourn their loss. Authorities have not released additional updates about the case, and the investigation into Robert Cosby Jr.’s death remains ongoing.
