NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Robert De Niro, who has been left "deeply distressed", has broken his silence over the death of his grandson Leandro De Niro Rodriguez, 19, who was found dead in his million-dollar apartment in New York City on Sunday afternoon, July 2. "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," the actor wrote in a statement.
Leandro was the son of the 'Godfather' legend's adopted daughter Drena De Niro, 51, and artist Carlos Rodriguez. Announcing his death on Sunday, Drena took to Instagram to share a picture of her son and wrote, "I wish that love alone could have saved you."
How did Leandro De Niro die?
Leandro's body was discovered sitting in a chair inside a one-bedroom apartment worth $950,000. Inside his apartment in Cipriani Club Residences on Wall Street, a white powdery substance on a plate was found near his body, reported Daily Mail.
The teenager was found by a friend who checked in on him as he hadn't heard from him in a few days. According to a police source, there were no signs of trauma. The cause of Leandro's death has not been revealed.
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Leandro was an aspiring actor and director
Leandro, who is an aspiring actor and director, did a small role in the 2018 film 'A Star Is Born' as the son of Dave Chappelle, who played the role of Bradley Cooper's best friend, George 'Noodles' Stone'. His parents paid their tributes to him on social media.
"Words aren't enough to express the joy he gave us or the loss we now endure with our families and friends. He is God's child now. On this full moon, his spirit luminates what could not be seen in the dark," his father, Carlos wrote in an Instagram post. "You can't spell LOVE without LEO," he added.
Leandro's mother also shared an emotional note as 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," Drena wrote before adding, "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."
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