Mary Cosby did everything she could to try to save her son.
As we previously reported, Robert Cosby Jr. died at just 23 years old in Utah on Monday night. Cops were called to a residence in Salt Lake City that evening for a “full arrest/medical emergency” amid a possible overdose. Now, we are learning more about what happened before and on that terrible day.
According to a 911 dispatch audio obtained by Page Six, the son of The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star was unconscious at the scene, and a dose of Narcan, a life-saving medication meant to quickly reverse an opioid overdose, had been administered. A dispatcher said:
“23-year-old male, not conscious, not breathing. One dose of Narcan has been given. Police have been called. Three units in route.”
Related: Inside Martin Short’s Daughter’s Struggles With Mental Health Before Her Death
Sadly, Robert didn’t make it. Absolutely heartbreaking. An official cause of death has not been released yet, and an investigation remains open at this time. However, Bravo fans know that Mary and her son had been vocal about his struggles with drug and alcohol addiction and his mental health on RHOSLC. In fact, they had one of the most vulnerable, emotional, and real conversations ever on the show when Robert revealed he started using drugs at 16 and that the only reason he was alive was because of his mom. Watch (below):
@bravotv Mary’s son is sharing his story on RHOSLC. #RealHousewivesOfSaltLakeCity #MaryCosby
Mary continued to be there for her son throughout his addiction and even when he went to prison last year. Robert was arrested in November for alleged assault and violating a restraining order put in place by his estranged wife, Alexiana Smokoff. During the RHOSLC Season 6 reunion, Mary said:
“[Her family] filed a restraining order against him, and he went back anyway, thinking that she want[ed] him to come back and save her. I don’t know where he’s getting that from … delusional.”
The 53-year-old Bravolebrity tearfully admitted she refused to visit her son because she didn’t want to see him like that, but they talked every day. She also shared that she was sending him books to read.
Three weeks before his death, Robert was released from prison after serving two months. His lawyer told Page Six that being behind bars “allowed him to sober up,” and “he’s looking forward to doing positive things. According to Andy Cohen, Mary really believed prison would scare him straight — but it, unfortunately, didn’t happen. While addressing Robert’s death on Andy Cohen Live on Wednesday, he told co-host John Hill:
“We’re so sad to read the news about Mary Cosby’s son, Robert, and I can’t think of anything worse than losing a child and in this way. [Cohost] John [Hill], you and I have talked so much on this show about addiction and the heartbreak that is associated and I have so much love for Mary.”
Andy shared that he talked to Mary for “a while” on Tuesday, the day after Robert died, saying that this is “every parent’s worst nightmare.” He added:
“You and I talked about this too, just about how much respect we had for the way that she spoke to Robert when we saw them talking about this on air and what I really admired was that she kind of met him where he was in a way, and she was kind of gently steering him or guiding him … loving him.”
The host recalled that Robert was in prison when the RHOSLC reunion was filmed, saying:
“She was really hoping that he would be scared straight and I guess that didn’t happen.”
Our heart just breaks for Mary. We can only imagine the pain she must be going through right now.
We’re sending her and her family so much strength during this difficult time. May Robert rest in peace.
If you or someone you know is experiencing substance abuse, help is available. Consider checking out the resources SAMHSA provides at https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline or check out StartYourRecovery.org.
[Image via Bravo/YouTube]
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