Robert De Niro tragically lost his 19-year-old grandson, Leandro “Leo” De Niro-Rodriguez, due to an overdose on July 2nd. Leo was the only child of Drena, Robert’s daughter, whom he adopted when he married actress Diahnne Abbott in 1976. Leo’s death was confirmed by Drena via Instagram.
“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,” Drena wrote in the heartbreaking post. Leo was laid to rest in New York on July 8th, and Robert was present to console his daughter, who was also present with her husband, graffiti artist Carlos Rodriguez.
Robert mourns the loss of his grandson, Leo
Robert De Niro embraced his daughter at his grandson’s funeral. https://t.co/altUNRHAty
— HollywoodLife (@HollywoodLife) July 9, 2023
During the burial ceremony, Robert was seen hugging his daughter Drena as he consoled her over losing her only child. The Academy Award winner wore a classic black suit and was escorted by security into the Frank E. Campbell Funeral Home on the Upper East Side, with Drena and her husband beside him.
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Robert was also joined at the funeral service by his celebrity friends, including Christopher Walken, music producer Tommy Mottola, White Lotus and Sopranos star Michael Imperioli, and Robert’s girlfriend, Tiffany Chen, who was also present.
Robert’s daughter talks about Leo’s cause of death
Although the toxicology report is not yet released, Drena took to Instagram to give more details on what killed Leo. “Someone sold him fentanyl-laced pills that they knew were laced yet still sold them to him. So for all these people still f****** around selling and buying this s***, my son is gone forever,” the bereaved mom wrote.
Robert also wrote a heartfelt statement to Hollywood Life, mourning the loss of his first grandchild. “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 said.