'Deeply distressed' Robert De Niro breaks silence after death of his grandson aged 19
3 July 2023, 17:02
Robert De Niro has broken his silence after the death of his grandson.
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Leandro De Niro Rodriguez passed away aged 19 on Monday.
The actor had appeared in the Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga hit film A Star is Born, taking after his legendary grandfather.
Speaking out following his grandson's death, Robert De Niro said he was "deeply distressed".
"We’re greatly appreciative of the condolences from everyone," he added. "We ask that we please be given privacy to grieve our loss of Leo."
Leandro's mother, Drena, 51, who De Niro adopted, made a heartbreaking Instagram tribute earlier in the day.
"My beautiful sweet angel. I have loved you beyond words or description from the moment I felt you in my belly," she said.
"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."
Read more: Robert De Niro reveals name of his seventh child as Hollywood actor shares sweet first picture
Leandro was born to artist Carlos Rodriguez and Drena.
Drena took De Niro's surname after he married her mother, Diahnne Abbott, in 1976.
His course of death has not been given publicly.
De Niro has seven children, most recently having Gia in April with girlfriend Tiffany Chen.
