Robert De Niro Opens Up About the Thoughts Haunting Him Since His Grandson’s Tragic Death at 19

Robert De Niro has courageously shared his thoughts on the loss of his grandson last year, shedding light on what has been constantly occupying his mind in the months that followed.

Leandro De Niro Rodriguez, the 19-year-old son of Robert’s adopted daughter Drena, tragically passed away in July 2023 due to an accidental overdose.

The New York City Medical Examiner’s Office attributed his death to a lethal combination of fentanyl, bromazolam, alprazolam, 7-aminoclonazepam, ketamine, and cocaine.

Drena De Niro, in a heart-wrenching social media post at the time, expressed her grief, saying, “My beautiful sweet angel. 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.”

She continued, “I wish I was with you right now. I wish I was with you. 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.”

Leandro’s funeral took place on July 7 of the same year, and Hollywood legend Robert De Niro attended his grandson’s wake, described as looking “sombre” alongside family and close friends.

Months after this devastating loss, Robert De Niro has opened up about the persistent thoughts that occupy his mind regarding his grandson’s death. In a recent interview with PEOPLE Magazine, the iconic actor revealed, “And I just then started thinking about all the things I could have, should have done maybe with him.”

He continued, “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.”

Reports indicate that 21-year-old Sophia Marks was arrested in connection with the distribution of fake oxycodone pills containing fentanyl following Leandro’s tragic passing.