Robert Cosby Jr., the only child of reality TV star Mary Cosby, has died at the age of 23, multiple entertainment news outlets reported on February 25, 2026.
According to TMZ, Salt Lake City police and emergency crews responded Monday evening to a “full arrest/medical emergency” call at a Utah residence where Cosby Jr. was found unresponsive. The death investigation was later confirmed, with early reports indicating a possible drug overdose, though an official cause has not yet been released.
Cosby Jr. had appeared on The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City a few times over the years, and his struggles with substance use and legal issues were documented on the Bravo reality series. In RHOSLC Season 4, a key storyline detailed how Mary learned he had married his now-estranged wife, Alexiana Smokoff, in secret in 2022.
In recent years, Cosby Jr. faced multiple legal challenges, including arrests for DUI and alleged assault and trespassing in Utah. In November 2025, he was arrested and later sentenced to jail for violating a protective order involving his estranged wife’s family — a period during which Mary publicly expressed concern for her son’s wellbeing. He was released from jail in early February and placed on probation.
Mary Cosby, who has spoken openly on the show about her son’s struggles and her hopes for his recovery, now faces the devastating loss of her only child. Condolences have poured in from fans and personalities across the entertainment world.
As of now, the Salt Lake City Police Department and the medical examiner continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death.
