Robert De Niro says he is “deeply distressed” by the loss of his grandson, Leandro De Niro Rodriguez, 19 years old.
“I’m deeply distressed by the passing of my beloved grandson Leo,” the 79-year-old actor said in a statement to People on Monday. Everyone’s sympathies have been sincerely appreciated. We would appreciate privacy while we mourn the death of Leo.”
Leandro De Niro was the son of De Niro’s eldest daughter, Drena De Niro, and artist Carlos Rodriguez.
According to the New York City Police Department, when police responded to a 911 call on Sunday just before 2:30 p.m., they found an unresponsive man at 55 Wall Street who EMS declared dead at the scene.
“It is with immeasurable shock and sadness that we say goodbye to our beloved son Leo,” Drena said in a statement to People. We appreciate the outpouring of love and support and respectfully want privacy at this difficult time.”
Drena originally revealed Leandro’s death on Instagram on Sunday evening.
“I don’t know how to live without you, but I’ll try to keep going and spread the love and light that you so generously made me feel in getting to be your mama,” she wrote. “You were so deeply loved and appreciated, and I wish love could have saved you on its own.” I’m very sorry, @carlosmare. I’m so sorry. My dear baby, rest in peace and eternal paradise.”
Leandro, like his grandpa and mother, was an actor who appeared in “A Star Is Born,” “Cabaret Maxime,” and “The Collection.”