Robert De Niro’s grandson dies aged 19

'I wish that love alone could have saved you'

Leandro was the son of De Niro's adopted daughter, Drena, 51, and artist Carlos Rodriguez.

In an Instagram post on Monday, the 51-year-old did not reveal how her son had died, but wrote, "I wish that love alone could have saved you."

"My beautiful sweet angel," the post began.

"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."

Drena continued: "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, I’m so sorry @carlosmare. Rest in Peace and Eternal Paradise my darling boy."

Drena's friends shared her heartbreak in the comments.

One wrote: "This breaks my heart, my first best friend💔 my condolences to you and Carlos, Sending prayers and love."

Another commenter added: "Drena, I’m so deeply sorry. Sending you an enormous amount of love, prayers and strength. May God be with you and all who love your darling boy."

Leonardo was following in his mother and famous grandfather's footsteps. He landed a small role in 2018's A Star Is Born and Cabaret Maxime and 2005's The Collection.

Drena was adopted by De Niro, and took his surname, after the actor married her mother, Diahnne Abbott, in 1976.

Her first movie role was in Grace of My Heart in 1996 and she went on to star in several of her father's films including 1999's On The Run, 2002's City By The Sea and 2002's Showtime.

De Niro split with Drena's mother in 1988 but the A-lister remained in her life and was made a grandfather in 2003 when she welcomed Leandro with her then-boyfriend Rodriguez.

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