Robert De Niro’s grandson Leandro has passed away at the age of 19.
Leandro’s mum Drena, who was adopted by the Hollywood actor in 1976, paid tribute to her late son whom she described as a “sweet angel” in a heartbreaking Instagram post shared on Monday (July 3).
The 51-year-old shared a photo of the teenager alongside a heartfelt caption, but chose not to disclose her son’s cause of death.
READ MORE: Robert De Niro, 79, says he secretly welcomed seventh child in bombshell admission
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.”
(Image: drenadeniro/Instagram)
When Robert, 79, married Drena’s mother Diahnne Abbot in 1976, he adopted Drena and she took his surname.
After leaving school, she eventually followed in her father’s footsteps and carved out a career as an actress and filmmaker.
Robert and Diahnne, 78, split in 1988, however A-list actor remained in Drena’s life and she made him a grandfather in 2003 when she welcomed Leandro with her then-boyfriend Carlos Rodriguez.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
