Leandro De Niro, Robert De Niro’s grandson, passed away at the age of 19.
In a tragic Instagram post published on Monday, July 3, Leandro’s mother Drena, who was adopted by the Hollywood star in 1976, paid tribute to her late son, whom she called as a “sweet angel.”
The 51-year-old posted a picture of the teenager along with a moving comment, but she opted not to say how her son passed away.
She penned: “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.”
The actress 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.”
A friend of Drena’s commented: “Drena don’t tell me it’s true tell me you’re joking because I can’t believe leo isn’t with us anymore. It’s an horrible news to digest. Drena my heart is with you and Carlos and your loved ones – I love you.”
To which the filmmaker responded: “I know I still hope this is a nightmare and I’ll wake up tomorrow.”
Actress Rosie Perez shared her condolences as she wrote: “Shocked! I’m so sorry! We are all here for you !!! I love you too much!”
Once Upon a Time star Lana Parrilla added: “Drena, I’m so deeply sorry. Sending you an enormous amount of love, prayers and strength. May God be with you and all who love your darling boy.”
Robert, 79, adopted Drena, who now has his last name, when he married Drena’s mother Diahnne Abbot in 1976.
She finally followed in her father’s footsteps after dropping out of school and established a career as an actor and filmmaker.
Although Robert, 78, and Diahnne, 78, divorced in 1988, the famous actor stayed in Drena’s life, and in 2003, she gave birth to Leandro with her then-boyfriend Carlos Rodriguez.
