Robert De Niro reveals what’s been “playing through” his mind since his grandson’s tragic death at 19

Robert De Niro has taken the brave step to open up about the loss of his grandson last year, revealing what’s been “playing through” his mind in the ensuing months.

Leandro De Niro Rodriguez, son of Robert’s adopted daughter Drena, passed away at just 19 in July 2023 after an accidental overdose

The New York City Medical Examiner’s Office attributed his death to the result of a toxic combination of fentanyl, bromazolam, alprazolam, 7-aminoclonazepam, ketamine, and cocaine.

In a heartbreaking social media post at the time, Drena De Niro wrote: “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.”

Several months on from the tragic loss, Robert De Niro has now admitted that a certain aspect of his grandson’s death is “always playing” through his mind.

The iconic actor spoke to PEOPLE Magazine recently and said: “And I just then started thinking about all the things I could have, should have done maybe with him.

“I don’t know if that would’ve made a difference. And so that’s always playing through my mind.

“It shouldn’t have happened.”

As per reports, 21-year-old Sophia Marks was arrested in connection with distribution of fake oxycodone pills that contained fentanyl in the wake of Leandro’s death.

Leandro’s funeral was held on July 7 of last year, with Hollywood legend De Niro described as looking “sombre” as he attended his grandson’s wake alongside family and close friends.