Production on season 7 of the Bravo show was paused after the devastating news of Robert Jr.'s death at age 23
Credit: Charles Sykes/Bravo
NEED TO KNOW
- The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City season 7 resumed production after it was paused following the death of Mary Cosby’s son, Robert Cosby Jr.
- Mary is not currently filming alongside her castmates
- Robert Jr. died at the age of 23 on Feb. 23 following a years-long struggle with substance abuse
Production of season 7 of The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City has resumed after it was put on pause following the death of cast member Mary Cosby's son.
PEOPLE has learned that the reality star is not currently filming as she grieves the loss of her son, Robert Cosby Jr., who died on Feb. 23 at the age of 23.
As PEOPLE previously reported, production was originally scheduled to begin the week of Robert Jr.’s death, but was halted following the devastating news.
Bravo has not yet released details on the season 7 cast. Last season, Mary starred alongside Lisa Barlow, Heather Gay, Meredith Marks, Bronwyn Newport, Whitney Rose and Angie Katsanevas. Mary first appeared in seasons 1 and 2 of the popular franchise. She rejoined as a "friend" on season 4 before returning as a full-time member for seasons 5 and 6.
Credit: Koury Angelo/Bravo
Mary confirmed Robert Jr.’s death in a social media post on Wednesday, Feb. 25.
“Our beloved son Robert Jr. has been called home to the Lord,” she wrote on Instagram. “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.”
Days later, she honored him again in an Instagram tribute, which featured Jessica Mauboy’s cover of Cyndi Lauper’s “Time After Time” playing in the background.
“#godfirst #love #forever I’m Going to miss you bubs❤️🙏😢.” read the caption, alongside a throwback photo of Mary sitting beside Robert Jr. when he was a child.
According to Salt Lake City dispatch audio obtained by PEOPLE, authorities were called to Mary’s Utah home just before 6 p.m. on the day of Robert Jr.’s death. Upon arrival, they found a “23-year-old male” presumed to be Robert Jr. who was “not conscious” and “not breathing.”
The audio later revealed that the man was given one dose of Narcan, a nasal spray used to reverse life-threatening opioid overdoses, as he was in a “full arrest/medical emergency.”
Shortly after the news broke, Bravo shared a statement with PEOPLE.
"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,” it read, noting that the network is “heartbroken to learn of the passing of Mary’s beloved son, Robert. Jr.”
Real Housewives executive producer Andy Cohen also reacted to the tragic news in a Feb. 25 post on Threads.
“Devastatingly sad news out of SLC,” he wrote. “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.”
Robert Jr. had been open about his struggles with addiction and mental health on RHOSLC. In an emotional conversation with Mary in season 5, which aired in Nov. 2024, he revealed that he began using both prescription and recreational drugs at 16 after trying Xanax at a party.
He said he went on to abuse multiple prescription medications, including Adderall and OxyContin, sometimes taking up to 10 pills at once. “I couldn’t even feel it,” he recalled. “I couldn’t feel it at all.”
Credit: Bravo
As his addiction worsened, he told Mary that he had tried heroin, admitting that he had “wanted to die at the time.”
“I felt like a stain — I just felt like this world wasn't for me,” Robert Jr. said, telling his mother, “You’re the only reason I didn't kill myself."
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In December 2024, Mary revealed that Robert Jr. completed a month-long stay in rehab and “came out a new person.”
He also faced several run-ins with the law, including an arrest in November 2025, after being accused of violating a pretrial protective order. He pleaded guilty to eight of the 14 total charges he was facing, while the remaining six misdemeanor charges were dismissed with prejudice. He was released from jail on Feb. 3, less than three weeks before his death.
At the RHOSLC season 6 reunion in January, Mary addressed Robert Jr.'s arrest, saying she was "not worried about him,” because "I know he's somewhere where he's not using.”
"Unfortunately he's learning the hard way, but I'm okay with it," she continued. "It’s just, you don’t wanna see your kid suffer, but I know it’s good, and I’d rather him be there than dead.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please contact the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.
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