Tragic Loss: Carlos De Niro's Heartbreaking Tribute to Late Son Leandro - A Bond That Will Never Fade

Robert De Niro, Carlos Rodriguez Joe Schildhorn/BFA/Shutterstock; Jeffrey Mayer/JTMPhotos, Int'l. / MEGA

Carlos Rodriguez, the father of Leandro, Robert De Niro's grandchild, is grieving the passing of his son, who died at the age of 19.

"Our families and friends will mourn his loss, but his memory will always stay with us," Rodriguez expressed on Instagram on Wednesday, July 5, accompanied by a nostalgic home video of Leandro. "Leo was a fervent young man who deeply cherished his family and friends. He embraced life and possessed a keen curiosity about the world."

He continued, "Leo, a highly skilled and productive programmer, sought a meaningful purpose for his talents beyond the social media chaos that held no interest for him. Drawing inspiration from his parents' love for art and artists, Leo found solace within this community. His thirst for exploration led him to travel the world, where he connected with strangers, engaged in philosophical discussions that transcended his age."

Rodriguez, who had a child named Leandro with Drena De Niro in 2003, expressed gratitude for the support of their friends, loved ones, and other families who have also experienced the untimely loss of a loved one.

Drena expressed her deep sorrow for her son's passing in a heartfelt Instagram tribute on Sunday, July 2nd.

"You, my precious angel, have been the source of immeasurable love and joy in my life since the very moment I first felt you growing inside me. You have been the essence of purity and authenticity, filling my heart completely," she penned. "I yearn to be by your side at this very moment. I long to be with you."

Courtesy of Carlos Mare/Instagram

In those moments, she expressed, "I am uncertain of how to continue without you, but I will endeavor to persevere and share the affection and positivity that you brought into my life as your mother. You were cherished and esteemed profoundly, and I wish that love alone could have been enough to save you."

Rodriguez expressed his heartfelt message for Drena on her Instagram comments. He expressed that words cannot adequately convey the happiness Drena brought to their lives and the pain they now feel with their families and friends. He believes that Drena is now in God's care, and on this full moon, his spirit shines bright, revealing what was hidden in darkness. Rodriguez also emphasized that the letters "LEO" spell out the word "LOVE." Later, Robert, who had adopted Drena during his first marriage to Diahnne Abbott, issued a statement to We regarding the passing of his eldest grandson.

On Monday, July 3rd, he expressed his profound sorrow over the loss of his beloved grandson Leo. He further expressed gratitude for the condolences received from all and requested privacy during this grieving process for Leo's loss.

Drena took to Instagram on Tuesday, July 4th to disclose her son's alleged cause of death, stating that he had ingested pills contaminated with fentanyl.