9:00 AM PT -- Law enforcement sources tell TMZ Leandro's death is being investigated as an overdose. We're told the teen was house-sitting, and both drugs and drug paraphernalia were found near his body.
Robert De Niro released a statement Monday, saying, "I’m deeply distressed by the passing of my beloved grandson Leo. We’re greatly appreciative of the condolences from everyone. We ask that we please be given privacy to grieve our loss of Leo."
De Niro's grandson, actor Leandro De Niro Rodriguez, has died ... TMZ has confirmed.
The 19-year-old was found dead sitting in a chair, inside a New York City apartment Sunday afternoon, law enforcement tells TMZ. We're told there were no obvious signs that led to his death. He was found by a friend who hadn't heard from him in a few days and was checking in on him.
His mother, Drena De Niro, confirmed her son's passing on Instagram Sunday night.
"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. 😞 Rest in Peace and Eternal Paradise my darling boy."
Leandro appeared in the 2018 film, "A Star is Born." He played the son of Bradley Cooper's best friend, George "Noodles" Stone, played by Dave Chappelle. Leandro also appeared in "Cabaret Maxime" in 2018.
Drena was adopted by Robert De Niro in 1976, after marrying Diahnne Abbott.
Leandro's dad was artist Carlos Rodriguez.
Leandro was only 19. RIP