Sad news broke yesterday afternoon with the announcement of the death of Robert De Niro's grandson Leandro.
De Niro recently became a father for the seventh time at the age of 79 with the birth of his daughter Gia, but tragedy has struck his family with the death of his grandson.
Known as 'Leo' to his family and friends, the son of De Niro's eldest daughter Drena (51) was 19 and was at the beginning of his acting career, having secured roles in the likes of 'A Star is Born' and 'Cabaret Maxime'.
His death was announced by his mother, who posted on Instagram: " “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."
She later wrote in a (now edited) caption: "To the person who sold Leo, the fentanyl laced drugs that took him away from us I hope every day you will think of me and my family you killed us all."
De Niro himself released a statement saying that he was "deeply distressed" by the news.
"I’m deeply distressed by the passing of my beloved grandson Leo," he said. "We’re greatly appreciative of the condolences from everyone. We ask that we please be given privacy to grieve our loss of Leo."
Other known names who passed on their condolences included actor Michael Imperioli, who acted alongside him in the aforementioned 'Cabaret Maxime' and described him as "a wonderful human being, a great kid with a light in his eyes and a beautiful soul."
R.I.P.
