Leandro De Niro Rodriguez, the 19-year-old grandson of award-winning American actor, Robert De Niro, has reportedly died.
Leandro was the son of De Niro’s adopted daughter Drena, 51, and artist Carlos Mare.
His heartbroken mother took to social media to pay tribute to her late son in a heartfelt Instagram post on Monday 3 July. But she did not reveal his cause of death.
Drena shared a picture of her son and a caption in which she declared “I wish that love alone could have saved you.”
The post began: “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.”
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Drena continued: “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.”
Tributes have been pouring in for Leandro, with actress Lana Parrilla writing: “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.”
Rosie Perez added: “Shocked! I’m so sorry! We are all here for you !!! I love you too much!”
Writer Victoria Gotti said she was “heartbroken” at hearing the news.
Leandro’s father, Carlos Mare, posted a blacked-out picture on his Instagram, but he has not made any public statements.
Leandro followed in his family’s footsteps and acted in films such as A Star is Born in 2018. He also appeared in 2005’s The Collection and 2018’s Cabaret Maxime.
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Leandro’s mother, Drena, is the adopted daughter of Robert after his marriage to The King of Comedy actress Diahnne Abbott.
The former couple also share a son Raphael.
Robert is also the father to Julian, Aaron, Elliot, Helen, and Gia.
The Hollywood star welcomed his seventh child, Gia, in April this year with his girlfriend, Tiffany Chen.
Robert shares Elliot and Helen with his ex-wife Grace Hightower and twins Julian and Aaron with actress Toukie Smith.
