Andy Cohen is speaking out about the death of Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star Mary Cosby’s son, Robert Cosby Jr.
“Devastatingly sad news out of SLC,” Cohen, 57, wrote via Threads on Wednesday, February 25. “This is every parent’s worst nightmare. My heart is broken for Mary, and I am sending all my love to her and Robert Sr.”
TMZ reported on Wednesday that Robert Jr. died in Utah on Monday, February 23, following a possible overdose. His official cause of death has yet to be confirmed. He was 23.
According to the outlet, police responded to a call on Monday for a “full arrest” and “medical emergency.” After the fire department and paramedics arrived at the scene, authorities launched a death investigation.
Mary, 53, subsequently confirmed Robert Jr.’s death in a statement to TMZ.
“Our beloved son Robert Jr. has been called home to the Lord,” she said on Wednesday. “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.”
Robert Jr. was the only child of Mary and her husband, Robert Cosby Sr. The couple have been married since 1998.
Robert Jr.’s struggles with addiction were documented on The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City. (Mary was an original Housewife during seasons 1 and 2 and returned to the main cast for seasons 5 and 6.)
During an episode that aired in November 2024, Robert Jr. revealed that his substance abuse issues began when he was 16.
“At first, I was like, ‘I’m going to just stick to natural stuff.’ Then, I went to a party, and someone gave me Xanax,” he recalled at the time. “I started buying it. Then, I started doing Xanax with Acid and then Molly with Xanax. I really like Xanax so I mix it with everything. Xanax and cocaine.”
He added, “You know the regular 30mg Oxys? I noticed … this was, like, a turning point for me. I was taking 10 at once and I couldn’t even feel it.”
Mary grew emotional as her son shared his addiction battle with her. In a confessional, she said she was “disappointed” in herself.
“I feel like I let him down somewhere,” she continued, explaining that she thought Robert Jr. was only using marijuana. “I trusted him in my mind, thinking that’s where he would stop. I was clearly wrong. I missed the mark.”
At the time, Robert Jr. also told Mary that he “wanted to die” at one point and she was the “only reason” he didn’t commit suicide.
“I just felt like a stain,” he said. “I just felt like this world wasn’t for me.”
The following month, Mary shared on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen that Robert Jr. completed a month-long stay in rehab and “came out a new person.”
In November 2025, Robert Jr. was arrested following repeated incidents with his estranged wife, Alexiana Smokoff — who filed for divorce that same month — and her father. Robert Jr. ultimately pleaded guilty to assault, trespassing and violating a protective order, according to court documents obtained by Us Weekly at the time.
Us exclusively reported in February that Robert Jr. and Smokoff finalized their divorce.
Weeks before his death, Robert Jr. was released from Salt Lake County Metro Jail on February 3 after two months behind bars. Per court documents, he was sentenced to 36 months of probation and 75 hours of community service.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
