Mary Cosby thought prison would ‘scare straight’ son Robert Jr. — before his tragic death at 23

“Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” star Mary Cosby thought prison would “scare straight” her son, Robert Jr., before his tragic death at 23.

Speaking with co-host John Hill during Wednesday’s SiriusXM’s “Andy Cohen Live,” the Bravo honcho addressed Robert Jr.’s death.

“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,” Cohen said on the Wednesday episode of SiriusXM’s Andy Cohen Live, per Us Weekly.

“[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.”

Cohen went on to detail speaking with Mary for “a while” on Tuesday — one day after Robert Jr. died, noting that this is “every parent’s worst nightmare.”

“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,” Cohen added.

The dad of two recalled that Robert Jr. was in jail when the “RHOSLC” Season 6 reunion was filmed, adding, “She was really hoping that he would be scared straight and I guess that didn’t happen.”

He concluded his on-air message by sending love to Mary and her husband, Robert Sr.

On Wednesday, a Salt Lake City Police Department spokesperson confirmed to Page Six that the Bravolebrity’s son was found dead after officers “responded to an overdose call that turned into a death investigation.”

Robert Jr. was already unconscious when officers arrived on scene, according to the 911 dispatch audio obtained by Page Six.

The audio also revealed he was not breathing and a dose of Narcan — a life-saving medication designed to rapidly reverse an opioid overdose — had already been administered.

Following his death, Mary and her husband, Robert Sr., released a statement via Instagram that read, “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.”

The Cosby family’s attorney, Clinton Simms, also exclusively told Page Six, “Robert Sr. and Mary Cosby are mourning the loss of their beloved son, Robert Clinton Cosby, Jr. His untimely passing is hard to comprehend, and the Cosbys are struggling to understand how someone so young and full of life could be gone so soon. Robert Jr.’s warm spirit, humor and kind heart will be missed.”

Cohen was one of the first to react to Robert Jr.’s death, echoing his sentiments on the radio show.

“Devastatingly sad news out of SLC. 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,” he shared via Threads.

Just three weeks before his death, Robert Jr. had been released from jail after serving two months for assault and violating a protection order.

At the time, his lawyer told us, “[Prison] allowed him to sober up and start thinking clearly. He’s looking forward to doing positive things.

“The difficulty is that he was slow to recognize the dissolution of his marriage. But now he understands the relationship is over, and he’s moving forward.”

His divorce from Alexiana Smokoff was finalized in January after she initially filed two months prior. The two had been married for three years.

Aside from his multiple run-ins with the law, Robert Sr. publicly struggled with drug and alcohol addiction.

If you or someone you care about is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).