Robert De Niro is mourning the tragic loss of his 19-year-old grandson, Leandro De Niro Rodriguez, who was found dead in a New York City apartment.
In a heartfelt statement released on Monday (July 3), the Hollywood legend expressed his sorrow, stating per Page Six, "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."
Leandro's passing was confirmed on Sunday, July 2, after a 911 call was made to a building on Wall Street, as per the police report.
The report read, "On Sunday, July 2, 2023, at approximately 1423 hours, police received a 911 call of an aided at 55 Wall Street, in the confines of the 1 Precinct."
It was noted that he was "pronounced deceased by EMS on scene," and the cause of death is yet to be established by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
According to a police source quoted by the Daily Mail, a substance was found near Leandro's body, with no signs of trauma. He was discovered in a $950,000 apartment in the Cipriani Club Residences on Wall Street by a friend who had been concerned after not hearing from him for several days.
Drena De Niro, Leandro's mother, and De Niro's daughter, publicly announced her son's passing on Monday with a heartfelt tribute on social media.
She shared a touching photograph of her son, alongside the caption, "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."
Leandro, like his grandfather and mother, had aspirations in the acting and directing sphere. In 2018, he earned a small part in the award-winning film A Star Is Born as the son of Bradley Cooper's character's best friend, played by Dave Chappelle. He also featured in Cabaret Maxime that same year.
Drena is the daughter of De Niro and actress Diahnne Abbott, who played a role in the King of Comedy. She was adopted by De Niro during his marriage to Abbott. In addition to Drena, De Niro and Abbott have a biological son, Raphael.
De Niro's extensive family also includes Julian, Aaron, Elliot, Helen, and the newest addition, Gia. He and his girlfriend, Tiffany Chen, welcomed their first child together, Gia, in April of this year. His former wife, Grace Hightower, is the mother of his children Elliot and Helen. Additionally, the iconic actor shares twins Julian and Aaron with actress Toukie Smith.
Paying tribute, Leandro's father, Carlos Mare, wrote on Instagram: "Thank you for your messages of support. @drenadeniro and our families are grateful. You can’t spell Love without Leo."
Our hearts go out to Leandro's loved ones.