Mary Cosby posted a celebratory photo of her son Robert Cosby Jr. weeks before her only child’s shocking death.
The “Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” star praised the 23-year-old’s release from prison on Feb. 7, writing, “#godfirst I love you all 🙏❤️ My beautiful son. I love him, sm❤️🙏.”
In Robert Jr.’s last photo, he was standing outdoors with a serious expression on his face, wearing an all-black ensemble and a tan beanie.
Mary, 53, wrote above the photo: “Thank you for all the prayers. I love you.”
Bronwyn Newport congratulated Robert Jr. on his return from the Salt Lake County Metro Jail, writing: “I’m so happy he’s home with you!”
At the time, Bozoma St. John wrote, “Amen,” and Kyle Richards, Gretchen Rossi and other reality stars sent heart emojis.
Robert Jr. had shared similar photos on his account the day before, and his merry-go-round featured dogs in most of the slides.
“I’m back :),” he captioned the Feb. 6 upload.
Robert Jr. served two months in jail for violating a pretrial protection order against his estranged wife, Alexiana Smokov, and filed for divorce in November 2025 after his arrest.
The divorce was finalized in January.
As part of Robert Jr.’s Feb. 3 release, he was ordered to complete 75 hours of community service and substance abuse and anger management classes during his 24-month probation period.
Robert Jr. struggled with drug addiction, but being incarcerated “allowed him to sober up and start thinking clearly,” his attorney Clayton Sims told Page Six earlier this month.
“He’s looking forward to doing something positive,” the attorney continued. “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.”
Robert Jr. was found dead on February 23 after Salt Lake City police “responded to a call of an overdose, which resulted in a death investigation,” Page Six confirmed on Wednesday.
“Our beloved son Robert Jr. has been called to be with the Lord,” Mary and her husband Robert Cosby wrote on social media.
“Our hearts are broken, but we take comfort in God’s promises and knowing that He is finally at peace,” the couple continued. “We thank you for your prayers and trust in the Lord to get us through this time of sadness.”
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).
