on Instagram<\/a>, writing that Robert Cosby Jr. \u201chas been called home to the Lord.\u201d<\/p>\n\u201cThough our hearts ache, we take comfort in God\u2019s promise and in knowing he is finally at peace,\u201d Mary Cosby wrote. \u201cWe are grateful for your prayers and trust in the Lord to carry us through this time of sorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n
Police initially responded to an overdose call, which turned into a death investigation, Salt Lake City Police Dept. public information officer Sgt. Greg Wilking told The Times. A medical examiner is investigating the cause of death, Wilking said.<\/p>\n
Bravo, the network that airs the hit \u201cReal Housewives\u201d franchise, also released a statement.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Mary\u2019s beloved son, Robert Jr.,\u201d the statement reads. \u201cMary 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cosby Jr.\u2019s battles with mental health and substance abuse were a focal point of the reality show\u2019s recent seasons. He had run-ins with the law in the months leading up to his death, most recently serving two months in jail before being released early this month.<\/p>\n
Mary Cosby described her son as \u201cthe perfect child\u201d on an episode of the show\u2019s fifth season. \u201cWhen he set his mind to do something, he would do it. He was like our prize. Very smart. Very advanced.\u201d <\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s the Robert I\u2019m trying to reach,\u201d Mary Cosby said. The mother and son spoke at length about Cosby Jr.\u2019s drug addiction in the reality show\u2019s fifth season. <\/p>\n
Mary Cosby was in tears as she learned he began taking drugs, including Xanax, Molly, acid and cocaine, at 16 years old.<\/p>\n
\u201cI can help you. I can try to help you, but you have to help yourself,\u201d Mary Cosby told her son, wiping away tears, in the devastating episode. <\/p>\n
Cosby Jr. revealed his struggles with depression in the same episode, telling his mother that she\u2019s \u201cthe only reason I didn\u2019t kill myself.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou have to know I love you more than anything, more than anything in this world,\u201d Mary Cosby responded. \u201cYou\u2019re my friend, you\u2019re my son, you\u2019re my gift. God gave you to me. You\u2019re the only thing that ever made me happy.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mary Cosby is an original cast member of \u201cRHOSLC,\u201d the 10th installment of the popular franchise that began airing in 2020. During the Season 6 reunion, which aired Jan. 20, Mary Cosby expressed concern over her son\u2019s well-being and her fears that he would die.<\/p>\n
At the time, Cosby Jr. was being held in Salt Lake County Metro Jail following a November arrest for violating a pretrial protective order against his now ex-wife, Alexiana Smokoff. He pleaded guilty that month to eight charges, including assault and trespassing. <\/p>\n
The pair had secretly married in 2022, during the show\u2019s fourth season. Smokoff filed for divorce from Cosby Jr. last November, following three years of marriage.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m not worried about him,\u201d Cosby said during the reunion. \u201cAt some point, I have to step back so that he can learn and he can make his own decisions, and unfortunately, he\u2019s learning the hard way. But I\u2019m okay with it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Andy Cohen, the executive producer of \u201cReal Housewives,\u201d expressed his condolences on his Instagram story.<\/a><\/p>\n\u201cThis is every parent\u2019s worst nightmare,\u201d Cohen wrote. \u201cMy heart is broken for Mary, and I am sending all my love to her and Robert Sr.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cReal Housewives\u201d stars shared messages of support to Mary Cosby in the comments section of her Instagram post. <\/p>\n
Cynthia Bailey, who appeared in \u201cThe Real Housewives of Atlanta,\u201d wrote that her \u201cheart goes out to you and your family. I pray he is now resting in peace.\u201d <\/p>\n
Kyle Richards, who is on \u201cThe Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,\u201d wrote that she is \u201cso very sorry for your unimaginable loss. I\u2019m holding you in my thoughts and prayers.\u201d <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n