Robert De Niro Breaks Silence After Death of His Teen Grandson
Robert De Niro has broken his silence on his grandson Leandro De Niro-Rodriguez's death.
He shared a statement (via PEOPLE) that reads, "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."
"It is with immeasurable shock and sadness that we say goodbye to our beloved son Leo," Robert's daughter Drena De Niro also said in a statement, adding, "We thank you for the outpouring of love and support and ask that we are given privacy at this time to process this inconsolable grief."
On the evening of June 2, the Taxi Driver star's daughter shared the sad news of Leandro's death at 19 years old online.
She wrote in a social media post, "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."
Her message continued, "I don’t know how to live without you but Ill [sic] 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 ??????????????????????????."
According to TMZ, Leandro's death is being investigated as a possible overdose, as drugs were reportedly found near his body. He was allegedly found dead in an apartment while sitting on a chair by a friend who decided to check in after not hearing from him for a few days.