Mary Cosby and Robert Cosby Sr. Say 'Our Hearts Ache' After Son Robert Jr.'s Death at 23: 'He Is Finally at Peace'

Brenton BlanchetWed, February 25, 2026 at 8:44 PM UTC

0

Mary Cosby and her son Robert Jr. in September 2023Credit: Mary Cosby/Instagram -

Mary Cosby and Robert Cosby Sr.'s son, Robert Cosby Jr., died on Monday, Feb. 23

The pair shared in a statement that they "take comfort in God’s promise and in knowing he is finally at peace."

The statement comes shortly after the Salt Lake City Police Department confirmed to PEOPLE that their 23-year-old son died on Monday, Feb. 23.

Mary Cosby and Robert Cosby Sr. have shared a statement following the death of their son, Robert Cosby Jr.

The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star, 53, and her husband said in a statement shared with PEOPLE on Wednesday, Feb. 25 that her "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," Mary and Robert Sr. said. "We are grateful for your prayers and trust in the Lord to carry us through this time of sorrow."

Moments later, the couple shared the their words on social media, where it was met with support from followers and members of the extended Bravo community.

The Cosby family's words come shortly after the Salt Lake City Police Department confirmed to PEOPLE that Robert. Jr. died on Monday, Feb. 23.

Mary Cosby and son Robert Jr on 'Real Housewives of Salt Lake City'Credit: Bravo

The SLCPD told PEOPLE on Wednesday, Feb. 25 that authorities responded to a possible overdose after receiving a call two days prior regarding a “full arrest/medical emergency” of a 23-year-old male. The news was first reported by TMZ, which also shared the statement first.

Bravo also shared a statement with PEOPLE: “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.”

Real Housewives executive producer and Watch What Happens Live host Andy Cohen reacted to the news in a Threads post shortly after learning of Robert Jr.’s death, writing that it was "devastatingly sad

“This is every parent’s worst nightmare," Cohen, 57, wrote. "My heart is broken for Mary, and I am sending all my love to her and Robert Sr.”

Robert Cosby Jr.; Mary CosbyCredit: Mary Cosby/Instagram; Charles Sykes/Bravo via Getty

Mary previously paid tribute to her son shortly before his death in a Feb. 7 Instagram post. The upload came after he was released from Salt Lake County Metro Jail on Tuesday, Feb. 3, after serving two months behind bars. "#godfirst Love you all🙏❤️ My Beautiful Son.. I love him sm❤️🙏," she wrote, alongside photos of her son.

Advertisement

Robert Jr. had been open about his journey with drug addiction and suicidal ideation, as he detailed his experience with both in an emotional conversation with his mom in season 5 of RHOSLC, which aired in November 2024. He shared at the time that he began using both prescription medications and recreational drugs since he was 16 after trying the anxiety medication Xanax at a party. Robert Jr. also said he was abusing other prescription drugs, including the ADHD medication Adderall and the opioid painkiller OxyContin, taking as many as 10 at once.

"I couldn't even feel it,” he said. “I couldn't feel it at all.”

Mary later revealed in December 2024 that Robert Jr. completed a month-long stay in rehab and "came out a new person."

Robert Jr. had a history of run-ins with the law. In 2022, he was arrested for a DUI after police claimed he was operating a vehicle without a license and disobeyed traffic laws, before he took a deal pleading guilty to the DUI in exchange for the other charges being dropped. In September 2025, he was arrested on multiple charges, including criminal trespassing, assault, failure to stop at the command of law enforcement and three counts of violating a court order, per his booking record viewed by PEOPLE. The arrest stemmed from an incident that took place at his father-in-law’s home outside of Salt Lake City, where his wife Alexiana — who he revealed he had secretly been married to in season 4 — was staying at the time.

On Nov. 24, 2025 — two weeks after Robert Jr.’s arrest — Alexiana filed for divorce following three years of marriage.

Opening up about the arrest to PEOPLE, Robert, Jr. shared that he's "not where I want to be, but I'm certainly not where I used to be." He added, "I will get there!"

He was arrested again that same month after being accused of violating a pretrial protective order. He pleaded guilty to eight of the 14 total charges he was facing. Robert Jr. was released from jail on Feb. 3 and was sentenced to 36 months of probation and 75 hours of community service. At the RHOSLC season 6 reunion in January, Mary addressed Robert Jr.'s arrest, saying she was "not worried about him."

"I know he's somewhere where he's not using,” she said of her son, adding that she has "to step back" so that Robert Jr. "can learn."

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please contact the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.

on People

Original Article on Source

Source: “AOL Entertainment”