The grandson of actor Robert De Niro, Leandro De Niro Rodriguez, 19, was discovered dead in a lower Manhattan apartment, in what authorities suspect was a drug overdose, given the surrounding evidence at the scene.
Law enforcement sources reported that Rodriguez was discovered lifeless in a chair on Sunday afternoon, July 2. He was surrounded by drug paraphernalia and a white powdery substance.
Drena De Niro, Rodriguez’s mother, publicly confirmed her son’s death with an emotional post on Instagram. Her father, Robert De Niro, thanked the public for their condolences while also asking for privacy as the family mourns their loss.
Rodriguez was a “beautiful sweet angel,” according to his mother, who is Robert De Niro’s eldest daughter with ex-wife Diahnne Abbott. The exact cause of his death is still pending an official determination.
A friend who had been unable to reach Rodriguez for several days made the heartbreaking discovery. The apartment building’s doorman, who regularly saw Rodriguez but didn’t know about his famous family ties, stated that Rodriguez was apartment-sitting at the time of his passing.
The news of Rodriguez’s sudden death has profoundly affected his family, friends, and those who worked with him. His father, Carlos Rodriguez, appeared visibly distressed when spotted arriving at Drena’s apartment.
Rodriguez had made some appearances in the acting world, including parts alongside his mother in movies like “A Star Is Born.”
Robert De Niro, who has children from past marriages, had also adopted Drena.