Leandro De Niro Rodriguez’s mother, Drena De Niro, who is the actor’s daughter, shared the heartbreaking news of Leandro’s passing in an Instagram post on Sunday night.
Following the tragic death of his grandson Leandro De Niro-Rodriguez, Robert De Niro released a statement expressing his deep distress. In a statement to PEOPLE on Monday, the 79-year-old actor said, “I’m deeply distressed by the passing of my beloved grandson Leo.”
De Niro’s moving words
“We are sincerely grateful for the condolences we have received from everyone. We kindly request privacy during this time of mourning for our loss of Leo,” he added, referring to the teenager.
In her own statement, Robert’s daughter Drena De Niro expressed immeasurable shock and sadness as she bid farewell to her beloved son Leo. “We appreciate the outpouring of love and support and kindly ask for privacy as we process this inconsolable grief,” said the 51-year-old actress.
Drena confirmed her son’s death on Instagram, accompanied by an emotional post and a photo of Leandro, who was 19 years old. She expressed her profound love for him, describing him as her joy, heart, and everything pure and real in her life. Drena expressed her wish to be with him and her determination to carry on, spreading the love and light that he had made her feel as his mother.
She emphasized how deeply he was loved and appreciated, expressing a heartfelt desire that love alone could have saved him. Drena concluded her tribute by expressing her profound apologies and tagging Leandro’s father, Carlos Mare, who is an artist. “Rest in Peace and Eternal Paradise my darling boy,” she wrote.
A terrible loss
In the comments section, loved ones of Drena shared their condolences. Andy Cohen expressed his sadness, sending love to Drena. Rosie Perez expressed shock and offered support, emphasizing how much she loves Drena. Naomi Campbell expressed her heartfelt sympathy and offered her presence and prayers during this difficult time.
According to a spokesperson for the NYPD’s Deputy Commissioner of Public Information, an 18-year-old male was found unconscious and unresponsive. Emergency medical services pronounced him deceased at the scene, following a 911 call received on Sunday at around 2:23 p.m., as reported to PEOPLE in a statement on Monday.
Drena is the oldest of Robert’s seven children. Her mother is his first wife, actress Diahnne Abbott. In May, the actor confirmed the birth of his seventh child, a baby girl named Gia, with his girlfriend Tiffany Chen.