Devastated parents of Robert De Niro’s late grandson have spoken out and paid tribute to the late teenager.
18-year-old Leandro De Niro was found dead at a $1 million home on Sunday. It was since revealed that a white powder was discovered next to the unresponsive teenager.
Robert De Niro’s daughter, Drena, has since the tragedy been spotted meeting with Carlos Rodriguez, her ex-husband and the father of Leandro.
“It is with immeasurable shock and sadness that we say goodbye to our beloved son Leo. We thank you for the outpouring love and support and ask that we are given privacy this time to process this inconsolable grief,” Rodriguez said in a tear-jerking statement.
“You can’t spell Love without Leo,” he added.
Reacting to the saddening news via Drena’s Instagram account, the grieving dad wrote: “Words aren’t enough to express the joy he gave us or the loss we now endure with our families and friends. He is God’s child now. On this full moon his spirit luminates what could not be seen in the dark.”
Meanwhile, Leandro’s mom shared a heartbreaking message saying she wished “love alone” were enough to save her son.
Moments before the grieving parents were pictured outside Drena’s New York City apartment, Hollywood legend Robert De Niro also reacted to his grandson’s death saying he was “deeply distressed” as he asked for privacy.
“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,” he said.
As of this writing, the teenager’s premature death remains under investigation.
Our thoughts remain with Leandro’s loved ones during this challenging time.