Robert De Niro has opened up about his grandson’s tragic death, revealing his ‘disbelief’ at the loss.
Leandro De Niro Rodriguez died last July at the age of 19, with his mom, Drena De Niro, confirming the news on social media.
His cause of death was later ruled to be an accidental overdose.
Speaking about his grief in a new interview with People Magazine, the Killers of the Flower Moon star reflected on the shocking moment he learned of the news.
‘It’s just a shock,’ the 80-year-old shared. ‘[I] never thought it would happen.
‘And I just then started thinking about all the things I could have, should have done maybe with him.
‘I don’t know if that would’ve made a difference. And so that’s always playing through my mind.’
‘It shouldn’t have happened.’
Robert and his family have endured a tough few months after news of Leandro’s death broke last summer.
The teenager was found unconscious inside a property in New York on July 2, and was later pronounced dead at the scene.
Drena, who Rober adopted during his marriage to Diahnne Abbott, publicly confirmed the news of her loss on the same day, sharing a tribute to her late son on Instagram.
‘My beautiful sweet angel. I have loved you beyond words or description from the moment I felt you in my belly,’ she said at the time. ‘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.
‘You were so deeply loved and appreciated and I wish that love alone could have saved you. I’m so sorry my baby.
‘Rest in Peace and Eternal Paradise my darling boy.’
Robert subsequently released a statement, which read: ‘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.’
Following the tragedy, Robert and Drena were seen visiting a mural in Leandro’s honor during a trip to Florida.
In snaps shared on Drena’s Instagram page, they proudly posed in front of the artwork in Wynwood.
‘Thank you @_cyst1_ for this incredibly moving tribute to our beautiful Leo,’ she wrote, tagging the artist. ‘Thank you Marelos for making it happen on this quick trip for us to experience this moment together.
‘Pedro you brought much healing to mine, @juliansden and our dad’s heart with this beautiful mural. #cantspelllovewithoutleo #wynwood #miami #mural #leandroforever.’
She added in a follow-up post: ‘It’s a family affair. 24hrs of much needed joy, laughs, art, family time and friendship. What more can one ask for.’
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