“The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” star Mary Cosby thought prison would “straight scare the crap out of her” until her son Robert Jr. tragically died at age 23.
Speaking with co-host John Hill on SiriusXM’s “Andy Cohen Live” on Wednesday, the Bravo honcho addressed Robert Jr.’s death.
“I’m so sad to read the news about Mary Cosby’s son, Robert. I can’t think of anything worse than losing a child in this way,” Cohen said on Wednesday’s episode of SiriusXM’s Andy Cohen Live, Us Weekly reported.
“[Co-host]John[Hill]you and I have talked a lot on this show about addiction and the heartbreak that comes with it. I love Mary so much.”
Cohen went on to detail that he spoke with Mary “for some time” on Tuesday, the day after Robert Jr. died, noting that this is “every parent’s worst nightmare.”
“You and I talked about this too, watching Robert talk about this on the air, and how much respect she had for what she said to Robert. And what really struck me was that in a way she met him where he was and kindly guided him and guided him and…loved him,” Cohen added.
The father-of-two recalled that Robert Jr. was in prison when the RHOSLC Season 6 reunion was filmed, adding, “She really hoped he would be straight up scared, but I don’t think that was the case.”
He concluded his on-air message by sending love to Mary and her husband, Robert Sr.
A Salt Lake City Police Department spokesperson confirmed to Page Six on Wednesday that Bravolebrity’s son was found dead after officers “responded to an overdose call that turned into a death investigation.”
According to audio of the 911 call obtained by Page Six, Robert Jr. was already unconscious when officers arrived on the scene.
The audio also revealed that he was not breathing and had already been given Narcan, a life-saving drug designed to quickly reverse opioid overdoses.
After his death, Mary and her husband Robert Sr. released the following statement on Instagram: “Our beloved son Robert Jr. has been called to be with the Lord.
“Our hearts are broken, but we take comfort in God’s promises and knowing that He is finally at peace. We appreciate your prayers and your trust in the Lord to carry us through this time of sadness.”
The Cosby family’s attorney, Clinton Sims, also exclusively told Page Six, “Robert Sr. and Mary Cosby are mourning the loss of their beloved son, Robert Clinton Cosby Jr. His untimely death is difficult to comprehend, and the Cosbys are struggling to understand how such a young and vibrant man could leave this world so soon. Robert Jr. will be missed for his warm spirit, humor, and kind heart.”
Mr. Cohen was one of the first to react to Robert Jr.’s death, echoing his feelings on a radio show.
“Devastating sad news from SLC. This is every parent’s worst nightmare. My heart is breaking for Mary. Sending all my love to her and Robert Sr.,” he shared via the thread.
Just three weeks before his death, Robert Jr. had been released from prison after serving two months for assault and violating a protection order.
At the time, his lawyer told Us, “[Prison]has allowed him to sober up and start thinking clearly. He’s looking forward to doing something positive.”
“The problem was that he was slow to recognize the dissolution of the marriage. But now he understands that the relationship is over and has moved on.”
His divorce from Alexiana Smokov was finalized in January after she first filed for it two months ago. The two had been married for three years.
In addition to numerous run-ins with the law, Robert Sr. publicly struggled with drug and alcohol addiction.
If you or a loved one is affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call SAMHSA’s national helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
