Jamiesfeast – Robert De Niro recently opened up about the heartbreaking loss of his grandson, expressing his overwhelming sense of “disbelief” upon receiving the devastating news.
Leandro De Niro-Rodriguez tragically passed away in his apartment in downtown Manhattan on July 2, 2023. He was the beloved son of Drena, De Niro’s adopted daughter, and Carlos Rodriguez, a talented artist.
In a reply to a comment on her Instagram post announcing his death, Drena said her son had died after “someone sold him fentanyl laced pills.”
“It’s quite surprising,” De Niro expressed in a recent interview with People, confessing that he never anticipated such an occurrence.”
The actor reflects on his relationship with his grandson, considering what he could have done differently following the unexpected loss.
He expressed his thoughts, saying, “I began contemplating all the things I could have and should have done with him. I wonder if it would have made a difference. These thoughts constantly occupy my mind.”
De Niro expressed his disapproval, stating that the occurrence should not have taken place.
Leandro, the grandson who pursued a career as an actor just like his grandfather, had appeared in various films prior to his untimely passing. Some of his notable credits include “A Star Is Born,” “Cabaret Maxime,” and “The Collection.”
In a heartfelt statement, De Niro, who became a father for the seventh time at the age of 79 just last year, expressed his condolences after Drena shared the news of Leandro’s passing on Instagram.
“I am incredibly saddened by the loss of my dear grandson Leo,” expressed De Niro in a heartfelt statement to People. “We are truly grateful for the outpouring of condolences from everyone. During this difficult time, we kindly request privacy as we mourn the loss of Leo.”
According to a report by Deadline, the New York City medical examiner concluded that the teenager’s death was accidental. The cause of death was determined to be the result of a combination of drugs, including fentanyl, ketamine, and cocaine.
A 20-year-old woman has been arrested in relation to the death that occurred less than two weeks ago and has now been indicted on drug charges. According to the indictment, the prosecutors have accused the woman of selling three counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl and two Xanax tablets to De Niro’s grandson. Unfortunately, he tragically passed away due to an overdose after taking one of the oxycodone pills.