Brooks Marks Shares Condolences to “RHOSLC”'s Mary Cosby After Her Son Robert's Death at Age 23 (Exclusive)

Erin Clack, Abby SternSat, March 7, 2026 at 4:30 PM UTC

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Brooks Marks; Mary Cosby and son Robert Cosby Jr.Credit: Presley Ann/Getty; Mary Cosby/Instagram -

Brooks Marks shared his condolences to Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star Mary Cosby after her son Robert Cosby Jr.'s death at the age of 23

"It's really a devastating, devastating situation," Brooks told PEOPLE at the 37th Annual GLAAD Media Awards on March 5

Robert died on Feb. 23 in Utah

Brooks Marks is sharing his heartbreak over the death of Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star Mary Cosby's son, Robert Cosby Jr.

Robert died in Utah on Feb. 23 at the age of 23. The Salt Lake City Police Department confirmed his death to PEOPLE at the time, saying authorities responded to a possible overdose after receiving a call regarding a “full arrest/medical emergency” of a 23-year-old male.

Speaking exclusively with PEOPLE at the 37th Annual GLAAD Media Awards in Los Angeles on Thursday, March 5, Brooks — the 26-year-old son of RHOSLC star Meredith Marks — offered his condolences to Mary, 53.

"My heart goes out to the Cosby family," the Next Gen NYC star said, adding of Robert: "He really was such an incredible person. It's really a devastating, devastating situation."

Brooks Marks at the 37th Annual GLAAD Media Awards in L.A. on March 5, 2026Credit: Presley Ann/Getty

Two days after their son's death, Mary and her husband, Robert Cosby Sr., shared a statement, saying, "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," they added.

In an additional statement to PEOPLE, Bravo said the network was "heartbroken to learn of the passing of Mary’s beloved son, Robert Jr."

Mary Cosby and her son Robert Cosby Jr. in September 2023.Credit: Mary Cosby/Instagram

"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," the network added.

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Real Housewives executive producer Andy Cohen also reacted to the news in a post on Threads, writing, "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.”

Mary posted an emotional tribute to her late son on Instagram on Feb. 28. “#godfirst #love #forever I’m Going to miss you bubs❤️🙏😢," the reality star wrote alongside a throwback photo of herself sitting beside Robert Jr. when he was a child. The post was set to Jessica Mauboy’s cover of Cyndi Lauper’s “Time After Time."

Robert Jr. first opened up about his struggle with drug addiction and suicidal ideation in an emotional conversation with Mary in season 5 of RHOSLC, which aired in November 2024. At the time, he said he had been using both prescription medications and recreational drugs since he was 16, after trying the anxiety medication Xanax at a party.

Robert Cosby Jr. and Mary Cosby on 'The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City' season 5Credit: Bravo

He also shared that he had been abusing other prescription drugs, including the ADHD medication Adderall and the opioid painkiller OxyContin, taking as many as 10 pills at once. He told his mother that when his addiction worsened, 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,” he told Mary. “You’re the only reason I didn't kill myself."

In December 2024, Mary shared that Robert Jr. completed a month-long stay in rehab and "came out a new person."

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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Source: “AOL Entertainment”