Tragic new details are coming to light regarding the sudden passing of Robert De Niro’s grandson, Leandro De Niro Rodriguez.
The 19-year-old was found dead on Sunday, July 2 at a home in Lower Manhattan, New York City, after cops responded to a wellness check called in from a friend.
A law enforcement source has now reportedly told Radar Online that the teen died from a fatal overdose during a cocaine binge, and that Leandro was found in a chair next to a white powdery substance believed to be the drug.
As per Radar Online, the powder was seized along with unidentified pills and other drug paraphernalia. The evidence will now be tested, with results expected within a few days.
Leandro’s mother, Drena De Niro, 51, is the adopted daughter of Hollywood icon Robert De Niro. She penned a heartbreaking post on social media days after her son’s death.
It read: “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. Rest in Peace and Eternal Paradise my darling boy.”
As per Radar Online’s source, Leandro kept the wilder side to his life secret from his family.
“We believe Leandro had a hidden side which finally proved deadly after a long night of partying,” the source said.
Earlier this week, Robert De Niro himself issued a statement on the passing of his grandson, with his rep telling Page Six:
“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.”
De Niro himself recently became a father for the seventh time, welcoming Gia Virginia Chen-De Niro with his partner, 45-year-old Tiffany Chen, on April 3.
Yet according to a source said to be close to the Taxi Driver actor – as reported by The Sun – has claimed that De Niro’s up and down year may be enough to see him crack.
Said source believes the accumulated turbulence of so many life-changing events in such a short space of time is taking its toll on the 79-year-old De Niro, next set to appear on the big screen in Wise Guys, due for release in 2024.
All our thoughts and prayers go out to the De Niro family at this terrible time.
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