Robert De Niro has issued a heartbreaking statement following the tragic death of his grandson Leandro De Niro Rodriguez - who was discovered dead aged just 19.
In an official statement released on Monday, actor De Niro said: "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 Mirror reports the upsetting statement has been released one day after Leandro was discovered dead. The teenager was found "unconscious and unresponsive", after 911 was called to a building on Wall Street on Sunday, July 2 - according to a police report.
The statement read: "On Sunday, July 2, 2023, at approximately 1423 hours, police received a 911 call of an aided at 55 Wall Street, in the confines of the 1 Precinct."
They confirmed that Leandro was "pronounced deceased by EMS on scene", with the Office of the Chief of Medical Examiner set to discover the cause of his shocking passing.
The sad news of his passing was announced by his mum Drena De Niro on Monday morning. She shared an image of her son alongside an emotional message, saying: "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.
"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."
Leandro was an aspiring actor and director, who had been trying to follow in the footsteps of his mother and grandfather, career-wise. In 2018, he landed a small role in A Star Is Born as the son of Bradley Cooper's best friend, George 'Noodles' Stone, played by Dave Chappelle.
In the same year, he also appeared in Cabaret Maxime.
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