Robert De Niro 'deeply distressed' over grandson Leandro De Niro Rodriguez death aged 18

Robert De Niro has broken his silence following the death of his eldest grandson Leandro De Niro Rodriguez. The actor released a statement that read "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.'"

Robert’s eldest daughter Drena De Niro confirmed on Monday 3 July that her only son and the Hollywood actor’s grandson Leandro has died aged just 18 years old. 

Drena shared an image of her son on her official Instagram account with the heart-breaking caption “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's cause of death has not yet been announced. 

Comments of condolences flooded in Naomi Campbell wrote “Drena heartbroken for you , such a Duo , i can’t imagine how you must feel , May the lord cover you and hold you in his arms ,at this very sad time and loss .. I love you , always here for you”

Television host Andy Cohen commented “Drena I am so sad to hear about beautiful Leo. Sending you all my love.” Whilst actress Rosie Perez wrote “Shocked! I’m so sorry! We are all here for you !!! I love you too much!”

Leandro’s father, artist and sculptor Carlos Rodriguez (Carlos Mare) posted a black square on his social media with no caption. 

Leandro was an aspiring film actor and filmmaker following in the footsteps of his mother and grandfather. He had small roles in the films ‘A Star is Born’ featuring Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper and ‘Cabaret Maxime.’ 

Drena is the daughter of actress Diahnne Abbott, Robert adopted Drena when the couple married in 1976 and took his surname. She is a successful actress and filmmaker also starring in ‘A Star is Born’ and the Jennifer Lawrence film ‘Joy’. 

Hollywood actor Robert recently made headlines for welcoming a baby with girlfriend Tiffany Chen which is his seventh child. Leandro was the eldest of Robert's four grandchildren. He has not yet commented on Leandro's death.