Robert de Niro's Daughter 'Can Barely Type' through Tears Feeling Grateful for Support as She Mourns Her Son
Robert De Niro's daughter, Drena De Niro, is grieving her son's death after he was found lifeless in an apartment. She posted an emotional tribute to her late son on Instagram.
Leandro De Niro was the light of Drena De Niro's life. He was a teen experienced in acting, like his mother and grandfather, Robert De Niro. Sadly, Leandro passed away at 19 in what was a sudden and tragic death.
A friend discovered the young man lifeless in a lower Manhattan apartment. According to a report, Leandro hasn't been messaging his friend for several days, prompting the friend to drop by. His friend saw Leandro on a chair with no signs of foul play.
Following Leandro De Niro's passing, Drena shared a lengthy Instagram post, noting she could "barely type through [her] tears." Robert De Niro's daughter used the platform to update her followers and thank friends and family who have sent their condolences. Drena wrote:
"None of this is right or fair, and my heart hurts in a way I never knew possible while still breathing and barely functioning. Leo, my darling I love you today like the first day I held you in my arms."
Drena expressed her distraught in a separate post, writing: "I wish that love alone could have saved you." While no exact cause of death was released as of writing, authorities aren't ruling out a possible overdose. According to sources, some drug paraphernalia was spotted near Leandro's body.
Drena shares her son with graffiti artist Carlos Rodriguez. Shortly after his death, the deceased's father was spotted outside Drena's apartment in West Village. Although Rodriguez tried to hide his face, photos taken by the press caught him in anguish.
Drena is the daughter of Robert's ex-wife, Diahnna Abbott, from her previous relationship. However, Robert adopted Drena in 1976 when he married her mother.
Drena grew up around film sets and would travel with her father. She eventually joined the industry, starting her career as a model. However, she knew acting was her main goal. She has since appeared in "A Star is Born," "Great Expectations," and "Joy."
She also became a producer and launched Daredevil Films and Televisions, a production company. In 2001, she made her directing debut with the documentary "Girls & Dolls."
Drena is the eldest of De Niro's seven children. His youngest child and daughter was born in the Spring of 2023. Robert De Niro was 79 at that time.