Following the tragic news of the death of Robert De Niro's grandson, his cause of death has been confirmed by the medical examiner.
Drena De Niro, the daughter of the Hollywood icon, took to Instagram on July 2 where she shared the heartbreaking news of her son's (Leandro De Niro Rodriguez) passing at the age of 19.
"My beautiful sweet angel. I have loved you beyond words or description from the moment I felt you in my belly," she began. "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."
A commenter asked how her son died, to which Drena responded: "Someone sold him fentanyl-laced pills that they knew were laced yet still sold them to him. For all these people still f***ing around selling and buying this s**t, my son is gone forever."
As per TMZ, New York City's chief medical examiner has revealed that Leandro died from the effects of fentanyl, bromazolam, alprazolam, 7-aminoclonazepam, ketamine, and cocaine.
His death is being treated as an accidental overdose.
Police have revealed that Leandro bought counterfeit oxycodone and Xanax days before his death, and they were laced with fentanyl.
The individual who sold the pills has since been arrested and is facing up to 2o years behind bars, as reported by TMZ.
Carlos "Mare" Rodriguez, Leandro's father, paid tribute to his son on social media, writing: "If you knew him you would know. Our families and friends will grieve but never forget him. Leo was a passionate young man, he loved his family and friends, he was loved his life and was curious about the world.
"Leo was a prolific and talented high level programmer who wanted to find a purposeful use with his talents beyond the social media calamity he didn’t care for. Like his parents he loved art and artists, he was comfortable in this tribe.
"Leo loved to travel the world he was a seeker who on his own explored many countries to break bread with strangers and to delve into philosophical thinking about thing’s beyond his age."
Carlos concluded: "He was also a young man with his own story and journey unknown to us and his friends, for it is at this age and time where a young heart seeks its place."
Robert De Niro also released a statement, where he asked for privacy for the family. "We’re greatly appreciative of the condolences from everyone," the actor said. "We ask that we please be given privacy to grieve our loss of Leo."
Our thoughts continue to be with Leandro's loved ones at this time.
