Robert De Niro's Grandson Dead at 19
A bit over a month after welcoming his daughter Gia Virginia, Robert De Niro has suffered a tragic loss in his family.
On July 3, the actor's daughter Drena announced on Instagram that her son Leandro De Niro Rodriguez died at 19 years old.
In a heartbreaking message, she wrote, "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."
Drena 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 ??????????????????????????."
As reported by TMZ, the teen was found dead sitting in a chair inside a New York City apartment on Sunday by a friend who hadn't heard from him for a few days decided to check in on him. Law enforcement told the publication that Leandro's death is being investigated as a possible overdose, as drugs were found at the scene.
The 19-year-old had followed in his grandfather's footsteps, acting in three films. Most notably, he appeared in A Star Is Born as Leo, the son of Dave Chappelle's character George 'Noodles' Stone.
De Niro released a statement mourning the loss of his grandson shortly after.