Robert DeNiro's sad comment after grandson's death

Robert De Niro and his family have been left heartbroken after the death of his 19-year-old grandson Leandro De Niro-Rodriguez.

The Academy award-winning actor said he was “deeply distressed by the passing of my beloved grandson Leo.”

“We’re greatly appreciative of the condolences from everyone,” said De Niro in a statement for the New York Post on behalf of the family.

“We ask that we please be given privacy to grieve our loss of Leo.”

The 19-year-old was beginning to rack up a list of credits, just like his grandfather, appearing in films like 2018’s A Star Is Born, Cabaret Maxime and The Collection.

His mother, Drena De Niro, who also features in A Star Is Born, took to Instagram yesterday posting: “My beautiful sweet angel. I have loved you beyond words or description from the moment you fell into my belly.

"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,” his mother wrote, “I’m so sorry my baby.”

The cause of death has not been revealed; however, The New York City Police Department did confirm De Niro-Rodriguez was found unconscious at approximately 2:20 pm on Sunday afternoon.

He was pronounced dead at the scene when emergency services arrived at the Wall St property.

Tributes for De Niro-Rodriguez continue to come in with big names such as writer and friend his mother, Victoria Gotti, posting on Instagram a photo of her and 'such a handsome prince.'

“I am here for you and your family during such a most difficult and trying time!! And Leo will always remain in my memory bank and mind's eye imaging for eternity.”

Model Naomi Campbell commented on Drena’s post, saying: “I can’t imagine how you must feel, May the lord cover you and hold you in his arms.”

Lenny Kravitz, Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter, also paid his respects to the family commenting: “This is all beyond words at the moment. I love you.”

The news comes after the De Niro family just welcomed Robert De Niro’s seventh child, Gia, with partner Tiffany Chen.