Robert De Niro’s 19-year-old grandson has died, the family said.
In a statement, De Niro said he was «deeply distressed by the passing of my beloved grandson,» Leandro Anthony De Niro-Rodriguez.
«We are very grateful for everyone’s condolences,» De Niro said. «We ask that we be given privacy to mourn the loss of Leo.»
The cause of death was not announced.
The New York City Police Department said De Niro-Rodrigeuz was found unconscious shortly after 2:20 p.m. Sunday at 55 Wall St. in lower Manhattan. Emergency medical personnel pronounced him dead at the scene, police said.
Police said the cause of death would be determined by the chief medical examiner’s office, where a spokesman could not immediately be reached on Monday.
The NYPD said De Niro-Rodrigeuz was 18, but a representative for Robert De Niro said he was 19.
In a statement provided to NBC News, Drena De Niro, De Niro’s daughter and De Niro-Rodriguez’s mother, said: “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 you give us privacy at this time to process this inconsolable pain.»
Drena De Niro posted an Instagram tribute to her son on Sunday night, calling him «my beautiful sweet angel.»
«I have loved you beyond words or description from the moment I felt you in my womb,» she wrote. «You have been my joy, my heart and everything that was pure and real in my life. I wish I were with you now.»
«I don’t know how to live without you, but I will try to carry on and spread the love and light that you made me feel so much by becoming your mom,» she continued. «You were so deeply loved and cherished and I wish that only love could have saved you.»
The celebrities expressed their condolences in the comments section of the social media post.
“Drena, so saddened to hear about the beautiful Leo,” wrote Bravo’s Andy Cohen. «I send you all my love».
Actress Rosie Perez wrote: “Shocked! Very sorry! We are all here for you!!! I love you so much!»
Former reality star Victoria Gotti shared memories of De Niro-Rodriguez from when she was young.
«You were such a playful, handsome, friendly and amazing young man who grew into an amazing young man!» she wrote.
“A young life cut short too much,” Gotti added. «I love you baby!!! Dear Dreana, you were a GREAT ‘hands on’ mom.”
According to an IMDB pageDe Niro-Rodriguez was a budding actor, appearing in movies like «A Star Is Born» and «Cabaret Maxime.»
Robert De Niro, 79, said entertainment tonight canada in May they had welcomed a seventh child.