The 19-year-old grandson of actor Robert De Niro has died, according to his mother Drena.
She posted a tribute on behalf of her deceased son on Sunday following his loss.
Robert De Niro’s Grandson Leandro Dead At 19, Mom Shares In Tribute Post https://t.co/5IWQZfmnpS pic.twitter.com/pqs4bTZ3nt
— Daily Wire News (@DailyWireNews) July 3, 2023
“My beautiful sweet angel,” the 51-year-old filmmaker began. “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,” Drena wrote. “I wish I was with you right now. I wish I was with you. I don’t know how to live without you.”
“You were so deeply loved and appreciated and I wish that love alone could have saved you. I’m so sorry my baby. Rest in Peace and Eternal Paradise my darling boy,” she concluded.
Robert De Niro’s grandson Leandro De Niro Rodriguez was found dead by friend https://t.co/0Pl1odm0k9 pic.twitter.com/pxTo2Al8Vn
— New York Post (@nypost) July 4, 2023
"Leandro De Niro Rodriguez, whose death was confirmed Monday by the family, had been found by a concerned friend who went to visit him at his New York City apartment," the New York Post reported.
"The friend had stopped by the apartment on Sunday afternoon to check on the 19-year-old actor after not hearing from him for a few days, TMZ reported," it added.
The report also noted the presence of a white powdery substance and drug paraphernalia found nearby, according to law enforcement. His cause of death was not announced.
Robert De Niro's 19-year-old grandson has died, the actor says. https://t.co/ww6dijHzGC
— NBC News (@NBCNews) July 3, 2023
In a statement, De Niro said he was "deeply distressed by the passing of my beloved grandson," Leandro Anthony De Niro-Rodriguez. "We’re greatly appreciative of the condolences from everyone," De Niro said. "We ask that we please be given privacy to grieve our loss of Leo.”
The loss of life comes as a shock to the De Niro family and friends. The grandson's cause of death will be determined by New York City's chief medical examiner in the sad case that has brought grief to those who knew De Niro's grandson.
The news also comes shortly after De Niro announced the birth of another child in May at the age of 79, making the child the seventh for the well-known actor.
