The 19-year-old grandson of esteemed actor Robert De Niro was discovered dead in a lower Manhattan apartment, in what authorities suspect may be a drug overdose.
Police sources revealed that Leandro De Niro Rodriguez, 19, was found lifeless in a chair on Sunday afternoon, surrounded by drug paraphernalia and a white powdery substance.
In a heartbreaking statement on Instagram, Leandro’s mother, Drena De Niro, announced the news of her son’s passing. Robert De Niro expressed his profound distress and gratitude for the condolences, asking for the family’s privacy to mourn their loss.
Leandro was described as a “beautiful sweet angel” by his mother, the eldest daughter of Robert De Niro and his ex-wife, Diahnne Abbott. His exact cause of death is yet to be determined.
Leandro’s body was discovered by a friend who grew worried after not receiving any communication from him for several days. The building’s doorman mentioned seeing Leandro frequently but was unaware of his connection to Robert De Niro. Leandro was apartment-sitting at the time of his death.
Family, friends, and staff are mourning the loss of Leandro. Carlos Rodriguez, his father, was spotted arriving at Drena’s apartment, visibly distressed.
Leandro had a few acting credits, including appearances alongside his mother in films such as “A Star Is Born.”
Leandro’s untimely death comes months after his grandfather welcomed his seventh child with his girlfriend, Tiffany Chen. The actor had previously adopted Drena and also has children from previous marriages.
