Robert De Niro’s grandson Leandro De Niro Rodriquez‘s cause of death was revealed as an overdose of fentanyl.
Leandro, who was 19, was found unconscious at his apartment in New York City at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday. Officers and EMS immediately reported to the home where he was announced dead on the scene.
Leandro’s mother Drena De Niro, Robert’s adopted child, revealed on Instagram that his death was related to drugs. She shared in the comments, “Someone sold him fentanyl-laced pills that they knew were laced yet still sold them to him so for all these people still f—ing around selling and buying this s—, my son is gone forever.”
An official report stating the cause of death has not yet been announced, and it is not clear whether an autopsy has been done.
Drena first announced the news on Tuesday when she posted a picture of her son on Instagram. She captioned the photo, “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
”
She posted four more times, all dedicated to Leandro and thanking fans and friends for their prayers and support.
On Tuesday, she released a statement with her family writing, “It is with immeasurable shock and sadness that we say goodbye to our beloved son Leo. We thank you for the outpouring of love and support and ask that we are given privacy at this time to process this inconsolable grief.”
An additional statement was added assumingly from Robert, “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.”
> CELEBRITY KIDS & THEIR FAMOUS PARENTS – SLIDESHOW!
Leandro’s father, Carlos Rodriguez, similarly posted a tribute for him including a video of Leandro when he was a child. He attached the following sentiment, “If you knew him you would know.
Our families and friends will grieve but never forget him. Leo was a passionate young man, he loved his family and friends, he was loved his life, and was curious about the world. Leo was a prolific and talented high-level programmer who wanted to find a purposeful use with his talents beyond the social media calamity he didn’t care for.”
