Robert De Niro is speaking out about the loss of his grandson, Leandro De Niro Rodriguez.
In a statement to NBC News July 3, the Oscar winner, 79, said he was “deeply distressed by the passing of my beloved grandson.”
He added, “We’re greatly appreciative of the condolences from everyone. We ask that we please be given privacy to grieve our loss of Leo.”
The New York City Police Department told NBC News that Leandro was found unconscious July 2 inside a New York City residence and that emergency medical personnel pronounced him dead at the scene. The cause of his death has not been released.
Leandro’s mother Drena De Niro, Robert’s daughter with ex Diahnne Abbott, also confirmed her son’s death with an Instagram tribute posted July 2.
“My beautiful sweet angel,” she captioned a photo of Leandro. “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.”
