Robert De Niro breaks his silence after ‘beloved’ grandson Leandro, 19, was found dead in NYC apartment
ROBERT De Niro has broken his silence on the death of his 19-year-old grandson.
The iconic actor's grandson, Leandro De Niro Rodriguez, was found dead on Sunday afternoon in the Cipriani Club Residences on Wall Street in New York City.
A friend of Leandro discovered the teen sitting in a chair with a white powdery substance on a plate near his body, a police source told the Daily Mail.
It's unclear what the reported substance was, however, police sources told TMZ that the teen was housesitting and both drugs and drug paraphernalia were found near his body.
Leandro's death is being investigated as an overdose, sources told TMZ.
A heartbroken De Niro asked for privacy as he grieved the loss of his grandson, telling Metro UK: "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."
Drena, De Niro's 51-year-old adopted daughter, announced her son's death on Instagram on Sunday.
"My beautiful sweet angel. I have loved you beyond words or description from the moment I felt you in my belly," the heavy-hearted mother wrote.
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"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.
"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.
"I’m so sorry my baby. Rest in Peace and Eternal Paradise my darling boy."
Carlos Rodriguez, Leandro's father, mourned his son's death on social media, sharing: "Words aren't enough to express the joy he gave us or the loss we now endure with our families and friends.
"He is God's child now. On this full moon his spirit luminates what could not be seen in the dark."
Leandro was working his way up in the family business after landing a small role in 2018's A Star Is Born, playing the son of Bradley Cooper's best friend, George Stone, played by Dave Chappelle.
He also appeared in Cabaret Maxime, starring Michael Imperioli, that same year.
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).