Prominent Hollywood actor Robert De Niro, his family, and friends received tragic news last month after it was revealed that his 19-year-old grandson had died.
According to Fox News, the cause of Leandro De Niro Rodriguez's death was released this week by the New York's Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, who said he died of an accidental drug overdose.
The medical examiner's office said Rodriguez's blood contained "fentanyl, bromazolam, alprazolam, 7-aminoclonazepam, ketamine, and cocaine," adding that the "toxic effects" of the drugs led to his death, which was ruled accidental.
"I’m deeply distressed by the passing of my beloved grandson Leo. We’re greatly appreciative of the condolences from everyone. We ask that we please be given privacy to grieve our loss of Leo," Robert De Niro said at the time.
Robert De Niro’s grandson Leandro De Niro Rodriguez died of accidental overdose, ME rules https://t.co/c6egbmHtiV pic.twitter.com/syEsMmlHe2
— New York Post (@nypost) August 8, 2023
In July, Sofia Haley Marks, 20, was arrested for allegedly selling the illegal narcotics to Rodriguez just days before he was discovered deceased.
On Friday, a law enforcement official reported that Sofia Haley Marks, a 20-year-old woman, has been apprehended on federal narcotics charges. She stands accused of distributing the drugs that resulted in the tragic demise of actor Robert De Niro's 19-year-old grandson. pic.twitter.com/kjSrYN8rty
— The Obs News (@theObsNews) July 16, 2023
Fox News noted:
She appeared in a Manhattan federal court two weeks later on three federal narcotics charges and agreed to remain behind bars until she requests bail at a later date.
Prosecutors said they would oppose a request for her release.
Drena DeNiro, Rodriguez's mother, released a tearful statement on social media when her son's death was announced.
"My beautiful sweet angel . I have loved you beyond words or description from the moment I felt you in my belly .You have been my joy my heart and all that was ever pure and real in my life . I wish I was with you right now. I wish I was with you."
She added, "I don’t know how to live without you but I’ll try to go on and spread the love and light that you so made me feel in getting to be your mama . You were so deeply loved and appreciated and I wish that love alone could have saved you I’m so sorry my baby , I’m so sorry @carlosmare. Rest in Peace and Eternal Paradise my darling boy."
In a later post, the grieving mother wrote, "None of this is right or fair and my heart hurts in a way I never knew possible while still breathing and barely functioning."
She added, "Leo my darling I love you today like the first day I held you in my arms."
Tributes poured in across social media.
