The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City cast and crew are not rushing to film following the tragic death of Mary Cosby’s son, Robert Cosby Jr.
While production on season 7 of the Bravo reality show was originally scheduled to begin this week, a source tells Us Weekly that filming has been put on pause after news broke on Wednesday, February 25, that Robert Jr. had died at the age of 23.
The Salt Lake City Police Department’s PIO confirmed to Us that authorities responded to a dispatch call for an overdose at Mary, 53, and Robert Cosby Sr.’s Utah home on Monday, February 23.
Robert Jr. was found deceased upon authorities’ arrival. A death investigation was immediately open and is currently active. While no official cause of death was given, 911 audio revealed Robert Jr. was administered a dose of Narcan, a spray used to counteract the symptoms of a drug overdose.
“Our beloved son Robert Jr. has been called home to the Lord,” Mary said in a statement to Us, 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.”
Shortly after Robert Jr.’s death was confirmed, Bravo also released a statement.
“We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Mary’s beloved son, Robert Jr,” the network’s statement read. “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.”
Throughout her time on The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, Mary spoke candidly about her son’s mental health and substance abuse struggles.
“I know he’s somewhere where he’s not using. At some point, I have to step back so that he can learn and he can make his own decision,” Mary told host Andy Cohen during the January 2026 season 6 reunion, at times growing emotional. “Unfortunately, he is learning the hard way but I’m ok with it. You don’t want to see your kid suffer, but I know it’s good and I’d rather him be there than dead.” (At the time of filming, Robert Jr. was serving time in jail after pleading guilty to trespassing and assault.)
Countless Bravo stars have rallied around Mary and her family in the wake of their loss.
Mary’s costars, including Lisa Barlow, Heather Gay, Bronwyn Newport, Whitney Rose, Britani Bateman, Meredith Marks and Angie Katsanevas, have also offered support.
“Robert Sr. and Mary Cosby are mourning the loss of their beloved son, Robert Clinton Cosby, Jr.,” Clayton Simms, an attorney for the Cosby family, exclusively told Us on Wednesday. “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.”
The statement continued, “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.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
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