Leandro De Niro Rodriguez, the 19-year-old grandson of renowned actor Robert De Niro, has sadly passed away.
The news was announced on Sunday by his mother, actress Drena De Niro on Instagram.
“You have been my joy my heart and all that was ever pure and real in my life,” the caption read. “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.”
“Rest in Peace and Eternal Paradise my darling boy,” she wrote.
Rodriguez’s father, artist Carlos Rodriguez, who goes by Carlos Mare, said in the comments, “Words aren’t enough to express the joy he gave us or the loss we now endure with our families and friends, He is Godschild now.”
Robert De Niro also spoke out Monday following the news of his grandson’s passing.
“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,” he said.
According to TMZ, Leandro’s death is being investigated as a drug overdose. The outlet reports both drugs and drug paraphernalia were found near his body.
Also an actor, De Niro Rodriguez appeared in the 2018 rendition of A Star Is Born opposite his mother, Drena.
