Robert De Niro's Daughter Says Her Late Son Leandro Died From 'Fentanyl-Laced Pills'

Actor Leandro De Niro Rodriguez, the late grandson of Hollywood Icon Robert De Niro, sadly passed away at the age of 19. Leandro's mother, Drena De Niro, who announced his passing on Instagram, has now shared what could have caused his untimely death.

Drena, in response to a person's comment under her tribute post to her son, revealed that he was sold pills laced with the drug fentanyl. Leandro was found dead at a Manhattan building known for its grand apartments and social club.

Keep on reading to learn more.

While investigations are ongoing into Leandro's cause of death, his mother, Drena, recently shared online that her late son was sold pills that had the drug fentanyl laced into them.

The actress made the revelation while replying to a person on Instagram who had asked her "why" and "how" her son passed away.

The aggrieved mother wrote, "Someone sold him fentanyl laced pills that they knew were laced yet still sold them to him so for all these people still f**king around selling and buying this sh*t, my son is gone forever."

According to TMZ, police are investigating Leandro's death as a possible drug overdose, which Drena's recent claim of "fentanyl laced pills" corroborates. 

The news outlet also reported that police found drugs and drug paraphernalia near the 19-year-old's body at a New York City apartment, providing more clues to what could have been the real cause of his death. However, at the moment, no official cause of death has been established.

Besides the drugs found near Leandro's body, the location of his death has also raised eyebrows.

The late actor's dead body was reportedly found at a lower Manhattan building known for its grand apartments and an exclusive old-money-inspired social club.

According to Insider, the New York Police Department responded to an emergency call at 55 Wall Street around 2:30 p.m. on Sunday. On getting to the scene, it was reported that they had found an 18-year-old male "unconscious and unresponsive." He was later confirmed to be Leandro and 19 years old and was pronounced dead by the EMS on the scene.

The building called Cipriani Wall Street, where Leandro was found dead, is noteworthy due to its grand status. Per Insider, the building boasts luxurious apartments, event spaces, hotel rooms, and a $4,000-a-year exclusive old-money-inspired social club known as Casa Cipriani.

According to Cipriani's website, the landmark building was the former home of the National City Bank, the New York Merchants' Exchange, the United States Customs House, and the New York Stock Exchange.

Hollywood veteran and Academy Award winner Robert De Niro finally spoke on the passing of his grandson, Leandro, revealing that he was "deeply distressed" by the news. 

The iconic actor shared his grief in a statement that read, "I'm deeply distressed by the passing of my beloved grandson Leo. We're greatly appreciative of the condolences from everyone." He continued, "We ask that we please be given privacy to grieve our loss of Leo."

During his short time on earth, Leandro, known to his loved ones as Leo, had already begun paving his way as an actor in Hollywood, following in the footsteps of his famous grandfather.

He appeared in the hit movie, "A Star Is Born," alongside Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper in 2018. Leandro also featured in the film, "Cabaret Maxime," alongside his mother, Drena, that same year. Back in 2005, he had a role in the movie, "The Collection."

Taking to Instagram, Drena penned a heartfelt message to her late son, highlighting how much she loves him and would miss his presence.

The actress wrote, "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. I wish I was with you right now. I wish I was with you."

Drena continued, "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. I'm so sorry my baby, I'm so sorry @carlosmare. Rest in Peace and Eternal Paradise, my darling boy," the actress concluded.

Leandro's father also expressed his grief in the comment section of his ex-partner's post, writing, "My dear… Words aren't enough to express the joy he gave us or the loss we now endure with our families and friends. He is Godschild now. On this full moon, his spirit illuminates what could not be seen in the dark. You can't spell LOVE without LEO."