Robert De Niro welcomed his seventh child, Gia Virginia Chen De Niro, with girlfriend Tiffany Chen on April 6. The 79-year-old Oscar winner should be feeling nothing but bliss at the moment, but tragically the birth of his daughter is now followed by the death of his 19-year-old grandson Leandro De Niro Rodriguez. Leandro parents are Robert’s daughter Drena De Niro and artist Carlos Rodriguez.
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Drena, who was adopted by Robert in 1976 when he was married to Diahnne Abbott, made the heartbreaking announcement on Sunday, July 2, on social media that her son had died. Her words express the pain of a loss so deep that only others who have outlived their child could possibly understand. Below are all the details we know about Leandro’s death so far.
Drena shared the news about Leandro on Sunday.
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. 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, I’m so sorry @carlosmare . Rest in Peace and Eternal Paradise my darling boy ️ ️ ️ ️”
Leandro’s father had no words.
Carlos Rodriguez, also known as Carlos Mares, had no words. He simply posted a black square on Instagram. Many are using the comments section to express their condolences to the artist.
Robert De Niro released a statement.
The actor shared: "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 was found by a friend.
Leandro, like his grandfather and mother, was also an actor. He was found dead in a New York City apartment that he was housesitting by a concerned friend who hadn’t heard from him in several days.
The cause of death is being investigated.
According to TMZ, “Leandro's death is being investigated as an overdose.”
There were reportedly drugs and drug paraphernalia near the teen’s body when he was found. There truly are no words that can possibly console Leandro’s family and loved ones. We hope they can find comfort in one another.
