‘Deeply distressed’: Robert De Niro breaks his silence following the tragic death of his grandson

Legendary actor Robert De Niro has opened up about the heartbreaking loss of his grandson, revealing he is “deeply distressed” by his passing.

De Niro’s grandson, Leandro De Niro Rodriguez, passed away at the age of 19, no cause of death has been revealed.

De Niro released a statement thanking those who had offered their condolences during the difficult time.

“I’m deeply distressed by the passing of my beloved grandson Leo,” the 79-year-old said in a statement.

“We’re greatly appreciative of the condolences from everyone. We ask that we please be given privacy to grieve our loss of Leo.”

Leandro’s mother, Drena De Niro, took to Instagram on Monday, July 3 to announce his passing while mourning his loss.

“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,” Drena wrote.

“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.”

 

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As news of the tragic loss reached the public, an outpouring of condolences and heartfelt messages of support flooded in from both fans and those close to the family.

“Dearest Drena, sending my deepest condolences to you and the family. This is all beyond words at the moment. I love you,” one person wrote.

“I’m truly sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences to you and your family.”

“Leo truly was such a beautiful light in the world, so incredibly grateful he was a part of my life. He always knew how to lift people up and bring out the best in others. sending so much love to and your family,” commented another.

“My heart goes out to you both. Leo is with the angels but his spirit lives on. Sending love and support. Words can’t express. Love you both.”

“Drena, I’m so deeply sorry. Sending you an enormous amount of love, prayers and strength. May God be with you and all who love your darling boy.”

The tragic news of his grandson’s death comes after De Niro recently welcomed the arrival of his seventh child.

During a happier time, De Niro shared the exciting news during a sit-down interview with ET Canada on Tuesday, May 6.

While chatting, De Niro corrected reporter Brittnee Blair, who stated that the actor has six kids.

“I know you have six kids,” Blair began.

“Seven, actually,” De Niro corrected, adding “I just had a baby.”

The actor also shared that he loved being a father, explaining his approach to parenthood is to be “loving with [his] kids” while knowing when to be “stern about stuff”.

“I mean, there’s no way around it with kids. I don’t like to have to lay down the law and stuff like that. But, [sometimes] you just have no choice,” he explained.

“And any parent, I think, would say the same thing. You always want to do the right thing by the children and give them the benefit of the doubt but sometimes you can’t.”