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Bravo has announced a temporary suspension of production for Season 7 of The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City following the untimely death of cast member Mary Cosby’s son, Robert Cosby Jr.
According to reports from TMZ, Robert Jr. passed away on Monday, February 23, at the age of 23 in Utah. While the exact cause of death remains unconfirmed, initial police reports suggest an apparent overdose, which has since been escalated to a death investigation.
In a heartfelt statement to TMZ, Mary and her husband, Robert Cosby Sr., expressed their grief: “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.”
Sources close to the production team informed DECIDER that filming for the upcoming season was scheduled to commence this week. However, in light of these devastating circumstances, production has been temporarily halted.
Bravo also released a statement conveying their sorrow: “We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Mary’s beloved son, Robert Jr. 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.”
Mary is an OG cast member on The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City. While she briefly exited the show in Season 3, she returned as a “friend of” in Season 4 and a full-time Housewife in Season 5, during which Robert Jr. bravely opened up to her about his drug addiction and past suicidal ideations. At the time, Robert Jr. revealed that while he began experimenting with the “natural stuff,” he soon started mixing Xanax with other drugs like acid and Molly. He candidly shared that the “turning point” for him was when he was taking 10 oxycodone pills at once and “couldn’t even feel it.”
Robert Jr. completed a 30-day rehab program in late 2024, though he continued to struggle with his recovery as he faced legal issues the following year. Robert Jr. spent two months in jail after pleading guilty to eight charges including assault, criminal trespass, and violation of a protective order, to name a few, per People. He was released three weeks ago.
Following news of his passing, Mary’s Bravo family took to social media to mourn her son. Andy Cohen wrote on Threads, “Devastatingly sad news out of SLC. This is every parent’s worst nightmare. My heart is broken for Mary, and I am sending all my love to her and Robert Sr.”
Meanwhile, her co-star Britani Bateman commented, “Sending hugs and love as well,” under DECIDER’s post, while Whitney Rose posted, “💔🪽,” on her Instagram Story, and Lisa Barlow wrote, “Prayers for you @mary_m_cosby, prayer for your family. May you feel God’s love and comfort. May you feel love surround you — today and always.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, call the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357.
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 988.