Robert Cosby Jr., the son of The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City cast member Mary M. Cosby, died Monday at 23.
Cosby Jr. was the only child of the reality star and her husband, Robert Cosby Sr. According to TMZ and PEOPLE, his death was confirmed by the Salt Lake City police department.
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Who Was Robert Cosby Jr.?
Cosby Jr. was a recurring guest on The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City.
He filmed scenes with his mother, Mary, that ranged from the delightfully zany to the deeply moving. The young man was transparent about his life’s ups and downs on the docuseries.
The Cosby family has released a statement on the passing of Cosby Jr. across their social channels. “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,” it said.
How Did Robert Cosby Jr. Die?
The death of Cosby Jr. is being widely reported as a possible drug overdose. His struggles with substance abuse are well-documented. The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City cameras followed Cosby Jr. as he tried to get sober during seasons 5 and 6 of the popular reality series.
He was open about how beginning to use drugs as a teenager impacted him negatively. He shared about feeling like he did not want to continue living at certain times, telling his mother plainly, “You’re the only reason I didn’t kill myself.”
He sought treatment and continued to fight his addiction with the help of his support system.
Cast members expressed concern and compassion for Cosby Jr. and Mary during the show’s 6th season. It was revealed that Cosby Jr. was incarcerated at the season 6 reunion. TMZ reported that he was released from custody in February.
Mary remained devoted to her son through his challenges. She blamed herself for what he was experiencing in several episodes of the series. She shared that she frequently spoke with him and sent him books during his time in police custody.
Andy Cohen, the executive producer of The Real Housewives franchise, acknowledged this in a comment on her Instagram page. “I love you Mary. You did your very best,” wrote Cohen. “We are all praying for your family,” he added.
He was not the only one sending words of encouragement to Mary in her time of need. Current and former Housewives across franchises flooded her comments. Angela Oakley, Mia Thornton, and Candiace Dillard Bassett were among those to publicly send love her way.
How Common Are Drug Overdoses In the United States?
Drug overdoses are a global health issue. They are particularly devastating in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that “Drug overdose is an evolving public health crisis” and “drug overdoses dramatically increased over the last two decades.”
The numbers that the organization tracks are staggering. They found that, “In 2023, approximately 105,000 people died from drug overdose in the United States.”
How Common Are Overdoses Among Black Men?
A 2022 report from the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that “Black males now account for 13% of all overdose deaths in the U.S.” and “have been disproportionately harmed” by rising occurrences of overdoses.
How Common Are Drug Overdoses In Utah?
According to the Utah Department of Health & Human Services, 49 Utahns died from a drug overdose on average each month in 2024. The same year, the United States Attorney’s Office District of Utah reported that “over the past few years, Utah has experienced a rise in overdose/poisoning incidents.”
What Is Being Done To Combat Overdoses?
There are medications available to limit overdose fatalities. Some researchers advocate for making them widely available in households throughout the world. According to the International Journal of Drug Policy, “Take home naloxone (THN) programmes are a (cost-) effective intervention that reduce opioid overdose-related mortality at the population level.”
Efforts to make information about these medications are being undertaken. Distribution to increase their availability programs exist as well, but there is a severe gap between the requirement and the resources in many states.
“Expanding access to naloxone is one of the most impactful interventions in decreasing opioid-related mortality. However, state distribution rates of naloxone are insufficient to meet community need,” according to the Journal of Drug and Alcohol Dependence Reports.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Cosby Family.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, you can contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration hotline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
