Robert De Niro’s 19-year-old grandson died after being sold fentanyl-laced pills, said the teen’s mother, Drena De Niro.
On July 3, Drena De Niro and her father, actor Robert De Niro, announced that their son, Leandro Anthony De Niro-Rodriguez, had died at the age of 19. A cause of death was not shared at the time.
However, Drena De Niro responded to a person who asked how he died on his Instagram. mail.
“Someone sold you pills laced with fentanyl that they knew were laced and they still sold it to you,” Drena De Niro wrote. “So for all these people still fucking buying and selling this m—, my son is gone forever.”
TODAY.com contacted the New York Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for more information. Representatives for Robert De Niro did not immediately respond to NBC News’ request for comment about the posts by his daughter.
The actor provided a statement to NBC News. announcing the death of his grandson on July 3, saying: “I am deeply saddened by the passing of my beloved grandson Leo. We are very grateful for everyone’s condolences. We ask that we be given privacy to mourn the loss of Leo.”
A spokesman for the New York Police Department told NBC News that on Sunday, July 2, at approximately 2:23 p.m. local time, police received a 911 call. Upon arrival at the scene, a man “was found unconscious , unresponsive and pronounced dead” by Emergency Medical Services (EMS) at the scene. “The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine the cause of death,” the spokesperson added.
Drena De Niro would go on to thank people for their abundant support as she mourns the death of her son.
Sharing a black and white photo of De Niro-Rodriguez, she wrote that “I could barely write through my tears, but all the love, messages, calls, texts, emails, friends and family who have helped me these last 24 hours I have not yet been able to answer, but we are grateful for all your love and condolences.
“None of this is right or fair and my heart aches in a way I never knew possible while I was still breathing and barely functioning,” she continued in part, before writing how much she loves her son. “You didn’t deserve to die like this, but I can only believe that God needed a strong and powerful angel in his army. I am hugging you every second of every moment I am my heart and my memories until I am with you again. My heart is forever broken.”
The 19-year-old’s father, Carlos Mare, also shared a sweet video on July 5, a young De Niro-Rodriguez saying, “You can’t spell love without Leo.”
Also expressing her gratitude amid her terrible loss, Mare wrote in part: “Our families and friends will mourn but never forget. Leo was a passionate young man, he loved his family and friends, he loved his life and was curious about the world.”
