Leandro De Niro-Rodriguez, Robert De Niro's Grandson, Dead at 19; Mother Drena De Niro Pens Touching Tribute

'I wish that love alone could have saved you,' Drena wrote of her son on July 2.

Robert De Niro's grandson, Leandro De Niro-Rodriguez, has died, according to a social media post from his mother. He was reportedly 19. 

Drena De Niro, the 51-year-old daughter of the iconic actor, shared the news on Instagram on July 2 with an emotional post. 

"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 . 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," she wrote. "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 🙏🏽💔💔💔💔💔🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️"

Drena later told ET in a statement, “It is with immeasurable shock and sadness that we say goodbye to our beloved son Leo. We thank you for the outpouring of love and support and ask that we are given privacy at this time to process this inconsolable grief."

A rep for the Raging Bull actor confirmed the news in a statement to ET. 

"I'm deeply distressed by the passing of my beloved grandson Leo," Robert said in the statement via his rep. "We're greatly appreciative of the condolences from everyone. We ask that we please be given privacy to grieve our loss of Leo."

Neither Drena nor Robert shared any additional details about Leandro's death. Leandro's father, artist Carlos Mare, also seemingly addressed the loss on his Instagram by posting a simple black square on his feed. 

Condolences and tributes have poured in via comments on both posts. 

"Drena may GOD keep you in his arms," director Lee Daniels wrote. 

"Shocked! I’m so sorry! We are all here for you !!! I love you too much!" commented Rosie Perez. 

Drena and Leandro previously appeared together in Bradley Cooper's 2018 film, A Star Is Born. Drena played Paulette Stone -- the wife of Dave Chappelle's character, George "Noodles" Stone -- while Leandro played their son, Leo. 

The mother-son pair also share acting credits on 2005's The Collection and 2018's Cabaret Maxime.

On Mother's Day, Drena shared a touching collection of images with her child and said that they had "a good day." 

News of Leandro's death comes nearly three months after Robert welcomed daughter Gia Virginia Chen-De Niro with girlfriend Tiffany Chen. Gia is the 79-year-old actor's seventh child. 

De Niro shares his adult children Drena, 51, and Raphael, 46, with ex-wife Diahnne Abbott, as well as 27-year-old twin sons, Aaron and Julian, with former girlfriend Toukie Smith. He also shares son Elliot, 25, and daughter Helen, 11, with ex-wife Grace Hightower. 

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