De Niro’s daughter grieves for her son: ‘Unfair end for you’

Amanda HardingJuly 5, 2023

Robert De Niro‘s Daughter Pays Heartbreaking Tribute to Late Son

Emotional Words from Drena De Niro

Drena De Niro, daughter of renowned actor Robert De Niro, recently shared a deeply emotional tribute to her 19-year-old son, Leandro, who tragically passed away over the weekend.

In a heartfelt Instagram post, Drena expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support she has received during this difficult time. She wrote, “I can barely type through my tears but all the love, the messages, calls, texts, emails, the friends and family that held me up these last 24 hrs… we’re grateful for all your love and condolences.”

Drena continued, “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, who is De Niro’s eldest child, was adopted by the actor in 1976 when he married her mother, Diahnne Abbott. Reflecting on the painful reality of losing her son, she shared, “The same man that picked us up from the hospital when you were born drove us to the funeral home where I touched and held you for the last time. You were kindness, acceptance, and love, and I can’t believe any of this is real. YOU made everything bearable and every burden lighter. You didn’t deserve to die like this, but I can only believe that God needed a strong, powerful angel in their army.”

Drena concluded her tribute with these heart-wrenching words, “I’m holding you every second of every moment in my heart and memories until I’m with you again. My heart is broken forever. Me, daddy, and your family love you. I love you with every beat of my crying heart.”

Robert De Niro’s Statement

Robert De Niro also released a statement regarding the tragic loss of his grandson. He expressed his deep distress and appreciation for the condolences received, while requesting privacy to grieve the loss of Leo.

The cause of the teenager’s death remains unknown. Drena had initially shared the heartbreaking news on Instagram, saying, “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.”