Robert De Niro opens up about death of grandson Leandro: 'I'm deeply distressed by the passing of my beloved Leo'

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4 Jul 2023, 12:41

Robert De Niro has paid tribute to his late grandson, Leandro De Niro-Rodriguez, 19, who has died suddenly.

In a statement to PEOPLE, the 79-year-old actor said: "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."

Drena De Niro, who is the eldest daughter of Robert, 79, and actress Diahnne Abbott confirmed her son's death on Instagram and wrote: "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.

"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.”

Friends including Lenny Kravitz, Linda Evangelista and Naomi Campbell commented: "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."

According to NYPD's Deputy Commissioner of Public Information, he 'was found unconscious, unresponsive and was pronounced deceased by EMS on scene' around 2:23pm on Sunday.

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