Leandro De Niro Rodriguez, the 19-year-old grandson of actor Robert De Niro, died on July 2, 2023, due to a fatal drug overdose involving fentanyl and several other substances. This sudden loss has profoundly affected the family, highlighting the ongoing crisis of drug-related deaths among young people.
Leandro’s passing marks a heartbreaking chapter for the veteran Hollywood star, coming just months after the birth of De Niro’s seventh child, a daughter named Gia, with Tiffany Chen. Leandro was the only grandson from De Niro’s adopted daughter Drena De Niro, herself the daughter of De Niro’s ex-wife, Diahne Abbott.
Details Surrounding the Cause of Death
Leandro De Niro Rodriguez, who had shown promise in acting with roles in films such as A Star Is Born (2018), Cabaret Maxime (2018), and The Collection (2005), died from an accidental overdose involving multiple drugs. The New York City Medical Examiner’s Office reported that a toxic mix including fentanyl, bromazolam, alprazolam, 7-aminoclonazepam, ketamine, and cocaine contributed to his death.
The combination of these drugs proved fatal, with fentanyl—a highly potent opioid—playing a central role. The incident was officially ruled an accident. Leandro’s mother, Drena De Niro, addressed the circumstances on social media, expressing her anguish over the preventable nature of her son’s death.
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.
—Drena De Niro, mother of Leandro De Niro Rodriguez
Law enforcement arrested 20-year-old Sofia Marks in connection with distributing the fentanyl-laced pills that led to Leandro’s death. She faces charges of selling drugs to a minor but has not been charged with murder, according to sources.
Robert De Niro’s Response to the Loss
The actor and director Robert De Niro publicly shared his sorrow regarding the death of his beloved grandson, asking for privacy as the family mourned. As posted on Drena De Niro’s official Instagram account, De Niro’s statement expressed the depth of his pain.
I’m deeply distressed by the passing of my beloved grandson Leo. We’re greatly appreciative of the condenses from everyone. We ask that we please be given privacy to grieve our loss of Leo.
—Robert De Niro, actor-director and grandfather
This loss was particularly poignant for De Niro, given Leandro was his only grandson via Drena, his adopted daughter. The family’s grief was also conveyed by Drena De Niro through heartfelt public messages.
Drena De Niro’s Message of Mourning and Awareness
Drena De Niro issued a statement reflecting the profound shock and sadness over losing her son, acknowledging the outpouring of public support and requesting privacy to process the grief.
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.
—Drena De Niro, mother of Leandro De Niro Rodriguez
In a separate tribute, she shared a deeply emotional note that underscored her unwavering love and sorrow for Leandro, describing him as the purest joy in her life and expressing her struggle to face life without him.
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. 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. Rest in peace and eternal paradise my darling boy.
—Drena De Niro, mother of Leandro De Niro Rodriguez
Drena shared Leandro with her artist partner, Carlos Rodriguez, known professionally as Carlos Mare, and he was their only child together, adding to the family’s profound grief.
Broader Implications of the Tragedy
Leandro De Niro Rodriguez’s death exemplifies the lethal dangers posed by fentanyl and counterfeit pills in the ongoing drug epidemic affecting young people across the United States. The incident highlights critical issues around drug distribution and the risks faced by vulnerable individuals exposed to dangerous substances.
This tragedy not only affects the De Niro family but also serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for continued public awareness, preventative measures, and stronger enforcement against the spread of fentanyl-laced drugs.
As Robert De Niro’s family mourns, their experience brings focus to the devastating consequences of addiction and illegal drug trade on families nationwide, signaling a call to action for communities and policymakers.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Robert De Niro Italian or Albanian?
A. Robert De Niro’s father’s family came from Italy, while he also has roots in Ireland, England, the Netherlands, Germany, and France. He studied acting at the Stella Adler Conservatory and the American Workshop. De Niro became well-known through his early movie roles.
