The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City has reportedly postponed filming its new season following the tragic death of cast member Mary Cosby's son, Robert Cosby Jr.
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Robert Jr. was found dead at age 23 in Mary and husband Robert Cosby Sr.'s Utah home on Monday, February 23.
The Salt Lake City Police Department's Public Information Officer told the magazine that police had responded to an emergency phone call for an overdose at Mary's house.
By the time authorities arrived, Robert Jr. had already passed.
While Robert Jr.'s official cause of death has yet to be revealed, an investigation is underway and audio from the dispatch call revealed that police had administered a dose of Narcan, a spray used to counteract the symptoms of a drug overdose.
Robert Jr.'s death came only several weeks after he settled his divorce with ex-wife Alexiana Smokoff and was released from a Utah jail.
"Our beloved son Robert Jr. has been called home to the Lord," Mary told Us in a statement, confirming her son's death.
"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 subsequently released a statement of its own, saying the network is "heartbroken" about Robert Jr.'s death.
"Mary is a cherished member of our family, and our thoughts, love and deepest condolences are with her and her loved ones during this incredibly difficult time," Bravo said.
Many The Real Housewives stars have also expressed support for Mary during this difficult time -- including her co-stars Angie Katsanevas, Britani Bateman, Bronwyn Newport, Heather Gay, Lisa Barlow, Meredith Marks, and Whitney Rose.
An attorney for the Cosby family, Clayton Simms, told Us on Wednesday, "Robert Sr. and Mary Cosby are mourning the loss of their beloved son, Robert Clinton Cosby, Jr."
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He added, "His untimely passing is hard to comprehend, and the Cosbys are struggling to understand how someone so young and full of life could be gone so soon. Robert Jr.'s warm spirit, humor and kind heart will be missed."
Clayton concluded, "A favorite bible passage of the Cosby family is Ecclesiastes 1:2-8, which touches upon the idea that human pursuits, pleasures and accomplishments are fleeting and futile without spiritual purpose. This loss is sudden, and the family asks for privacy during this difficult time."
Mary has spoken openly about Robert Jr.'s addiction and mental health struggles on The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City.
Robert Jr. first mentioned his substance-abuse issues during a Season 5 episode that aired in November 2024, according to Us.
Robert Jr. reportedly told Mary that "life is just chicken unseasoned" and he was taking drugs such as Xanax and cocaine to add seasoning.
"At first, I was like, 'I'm going to just stick to natural stuff,'" Robert Jr. has said.
"Then, I went to a party, and someone gave me Xanax. 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."
Robert Jr. entered a rehab program in late 2024, but he ended up behind bars after pleading guilty to trespassing and assault following incidents with his ex-wife and her father.
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During the Season 6 reunion of The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City that aired on Bravo in January 2026, Mary claimed was "not worried" about her son at the time.
"I know he's somewhere where he's not using," Mary clarified.
"At some point, I have to step back so that he can learn and he can make his own decisions, and unfortunately, he's learning the hard way. But I'm okay with it."
Robert Jr. had confirmed his release from jail earlier this month by writing on Instagram on February 6, "I'm back [smiley face]."
About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski
