Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star Mary Cosby had premonition son would die weeks before his passing at 23
Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star Mary Cosby tearfully voiced fears her son would die just months before his passing.
Robert Cosby Jr. died at the age of 23 on Monday. While an official cause of death has not been released, police initially responded to what was described as a ‘possible overdose’ before the case was later classified as a death investigation.
Salt Lake City police told TMZ that officers responded Monday night to a call for a ‘full arrest/medical emergency’ involving a 23-year-old male. Authorities have not released further details.
Amid turmoil in Robert’s life – including a jail stint and alleged struggles with substance abuse – Cosby broke down as she discussed her only child during part two of the RHOSLC Season 6 reunion, which aired January 20.
At the time the episode was filmed, Robert was being held at Salt Lake County Metro Jail following a November arrest for allegedly violating a pretrial protective order against his now ex-wife, Alexiana Smokoff.
‘I’m not worried about him,’ Mary explained to the cast, admitting it gave her comfort knowing he was somewhere he wasn’t using drugs. ‘And I’d rather him be there than dead, you know?’
Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star Mary Cosby tearfully voiced fears her son would die just months before his passing; (Meredith Marks left, Mary Cosby right on RHOSLC Season 6 reunion in January)
Robert Cosby Jr. died at 23 on Monday, and while an official cause of death has not been released, police initially responded to what was described as a ‘possible overdose’ before the case was later classified as a death investigation
She went on to say she felt she had no choice but to let him face the consequences of his actions.
‘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 OK with it,’ she said.
‘It’s just, you don’t want to see your kid suffer, but I know it’s good,’ Mary explained.
Robert Jr. was released from jail earlier this month after serving two months behind bars.
He had been ordered to serve 99 days but received credit for time served.
Bravo confirmed the tragic news in a statement provided to the Daily Mail.
‘We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Mary’s beloved son, Robert Jr. 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.’
A separate statement was also shared on behalf of Mary Cosby and her husband, Robert Sr. Cosby.
Cosby broke down as she discussed her only child during part two of the RHOSLC Season 6 reunion, which aired January 20
‘I’m not worried about him,’ Mary explained to the cast, admitting it gave her comfort knowing he was somewhere he wasn’t using drugs, adding, ‘And I’d rather him be there than dead, you know?’
‘Our beloved son Robert Jr. has been called home to the Lord. 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.’
Mary Cosby has appeared on The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City since its debut, with her family life occasionally featured on the show.
Following the news, Andy Cohen took to Threads to react to the heartbreaking news.
‘Devastatingly sad news out of SLC,’ Cohen wrote. ‘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.’
Robert’s death comes just weeks after he was released from Salt Lake County Metro Jail after serving two months behind bars.
At this time, his attorney Clayton Simms told People that Robert ‘expresses deep regret regarding his prior actions and acknowledges that his past behavior demonstrates poor judgment.’
Three days after his release, Robert’s mom shared a photo of him, alongside the cryptic message, ‘Thank you all for your prayers. Love you.’
At the time, members of the Real Housewives franchise expressed their support in the comments section.
At the time the episode was filmed, Robert was being held at Salt Lake County Metro Jail following a November arrest for allegedly violating a pretrial protective order against his now ex-wife, Alexiana Smokoff
Robert with wife Alexiana Smokoff who filed for divorce in November 2025
‘Lots of prayers for you and Robert, Mary,’ The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’ Sutton Stracke wrote.
Dolores Catania, from The Real Housewives of New Jersey, commented: ‘God bless Robert.’
Her Real Housewives of Salt Lake City costar Heather Gay simply sent her ‘love.’
In November, his wife, Alexiana Smokoff, filed for divorce.
Viewers of The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City saw Robert appear on the Bravo series several times over the years.
During season four, Mary Cosby addressed learning that her son had secretly married Alexiana without her knowledge.
The wedding reportedly took place in August 2022 at a Utah courthouse.
Robert and Alexiana’s alleged struggles with substance use were also featured as part of Mary’s storyline on the show.
Three days after his release, Robert’s mom shared a photo of him, alongside the cryptic message, ‘Thank you all for your prayers. Love you’ (seen in 2024)
Robert had a history of legal issues.
He was arrested in Utah in September on multiple alleged charges, including trespassing and assault.
He was previously arrested in 2022 for driving under the influence, at which time police said he did not have a valid license and failed to follow traffic laws.
He later pleaded guilty to the DUI charge.
During part 2 of The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City season 6 reunion, which aired in January, Mary spoke about her son’s arrest and time in jail.
‘I know he’s somewhere where he’s not using,’ she said. ‘Unfortunately he’s learning the hard way, but I’m okay with it.’
Still, she said, as a mother, ‘you don’t wanna see your kid suffer, but I know it’s good, and I’d rather him be there than dead.’
