“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 releases a statement on Instagram on Feb. 25, 2026, after news of her son Robert Cosby Jr.‘s death was released. On Feb. 23, Salt Lake City Police Department officers “responded to an overdose call that turned into a death investigation” after the 23 year old was found deceased at the scene, according to a police spokesperson. Robert Jr. had been struggling with a drug addiction for the past few years and discussed his issues with Mary during seasons 5 and 6 of The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City. In one episode that was recorded in January 2025, he explained feeling “at a standstill” in his recovery, despite having completed a 30-day rehab program. Robert Jr.’s marriage to estranged wife Alexiana Smokoff didn’t seem to help his addiction and mental issues. The couple seemed to be high on drugs, during episodes of the series, while living in a wing of Mary’s home. In addition, Robert Jr. violated a pre-trial protective order by going to the Smokoff family’s home in November 2025. He was arrested and plead guilty to eight charges including assault, criminal trespass, violation of a protective order, and violation of a jail release court order, according to a report. His attorney Clayton Simms said Robert Jr. expressed “deep regret” for his actions and poor judgment. Simms also said that Robert Jr. felt the cause of his judgment and actions was “an absence of coping skills when dealing with a painful separation from his wife, as he was unprepared for the sudden dissolution of their union.” He was released from jail on Feb. 3, 2026. Mary explained the incident during season 6 reunion, “[Smokoff’s family] filed a restraining order against him, and he went back anyway, thinking that she want[ed] him to come back and save her. I don’t know where he’s getting that from…delusional.”
“I’m not worried about him,” Mary continued. “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 decisions, and unfortunately, he’s learning the hard way. But I’m OK with it…And I’d rather him be there than dead, you know?”
As a fan of The Housewives franchise and Mary Cosby’s, specifically, my thoughts are with her and everyone who loved Robert Jr., as this is undoubtedly every parent’s worst nightmare. Rest in love and peace, Robert Jr.
