Robert De Niro’s daughter blames ‘the internet’ for part in her teenage son’s accidental drug overdose two years earlier

by

Robert De Niro’s daughter, Drena, spoke movingly about the loss of her son, who died two years ago, and suggested the internet played a role in his death.

I was absolutely devastated to hear about Leandro, Robert De Niro’s son. Apparently, a friend found him passed away in his NYC apartment on July 2nd, 2023. It’s just… heartbreaking. They’ve said it was an accidental overdose, and honestly, it’s just so incredibly tragic. I can’t even imagine how his mother and Robert must be feeling right now. It’s just awful.

He died from a dangerous mix of illegal drugs, including fentanyl, bromazolam, ketamine, and cocaine.

Five people were arrested late last month, in October, regarding Leandro’s death from an overdose.

Drena recently told Page Six that she believes TikTok contributed to her son’s death, alongside fentanyl and the COVID-19 pandemic. She remembered a rapid change in his behavior, saying, ‘It happened so quickly.’

Drena said her son enjoyed socializing and using marijuana, but his rapid decline worried her, and she suspected his online activity was the cause.

She explained to the publication that her son had previously tried to get help at rehab, but she felt the experience was actually harmful to him.

Drena expressed, ‘That was very sad to me because he wanted help.

He quickly realized he was in too deep, and didn’t even understand how he’d gotten there. It seemed he’d encountered stronger drugs than he was used to.

While talking to Page Six, the actress recalled the moment she found out about Leandro’s passing. 

A detective with the NYPD brought the news to her home, and she told the news source that her entire world had fallen apart.

Drena called the five arrests related to Leandro’s overdose death ‘strange’ and ‘bittersweet,’ explaining that while there’s no joy in the situation, there’s a sense of resolution.

I truly hope those affected find some resolution. Selling drugs to young people is incredibly risky, and you’re responsible for the consequences, regardless of your intent or knowledge.

But she then told the outlet, ‘I’m not interested in ruining some 24-year-old’s life.’ 

Drena and Leandro shared a very close relationship, and she described him to Page Six as a wonderful and intelligent person.

She described their close connection as liberating, explaining that it was the first time she felt she could be herself, independent of her father or anyone else’s expectations. It was a relationship where someone truly knew and accepted all sides of her, both the good and the bad.

I’m so inspired by her! She’s started the Leandro De Niro Rodriguez Foundation, and it’s dedicated to tackling the opioid crisis and really helping the next generation understand and fight against these dangerous synthetic drugs. You can find more about their amazing work on their official website.

Our foundation is dedicated to fighting the shame surrounding substance use, increasing understanding of mental health issues, tackling the worsening mental health crisis linked to the fentanyl epidemic, and remembering those whose lives have been impacted by addiction and loss.

Just two weeks after five people were arrested regarding her son’s fatal overdose, Drena publicly shared her feelings in a heartfelt message from the Vatican earlier this month.

While visiting Rome, the actress had a meeting with Pope Leo XIV. She described feeling deeply thankful after the encounter, and believed her late son’s spirit was present with her during the entire trip.

In a heartfelt Instagram post, Drena shared that she might never be able to fully express how much joy she feels.

Being in the same room with His Holiness, feeling his peaceful and loving presence, is an experience I’ll always treasure.

It was incredible, Drena shared how she truly felt her son’s spirit was with us the entire time we traveled to the Vatican. It felt like he was right there with us, guiding and comforting us along the way.

She also described the moment Pope Leo accepted her small gift and offered his blessing.

I’ll always remember the warmth and kindness in Pope Leo’s eyes when I offered him a small gift. He was so gracious, and he asked that my son stay with him for a while.

She shared that she received this honor both to remember her son, Leo, and to recognize all young lives lost too soon.

Drena ended the post with a message of faith and love for both her father and her son.

I’m incredibly grateful to my family in Rome, especially my dad and Julian, and to everyone who supported me. Sending love and thanks to the two amazing Pope Leo XIVs I’ve had the pleasure of knowing – may we all find peace, purpose, and follow our calling. #PopeLeoXIV #CantSpellLoveWithoutLeo

Her post came in the wake of a major breakthrough in the investigation into her son’s 2023 death.

Prosecutors announced on October 30th that five men – Grant McIver, Bruce Epperson, Eddie Barreto, John Nicolas, and Roy Nicolas – had been arrested for allegedly operating a New York City drug operation. The group is accused of distributing fake pills containing fentanyl to teenagers and young adults.

The group is accused of distributing thousands of counterfeit prescription pills, according to federal charges.

Investigators have identified one of the victims as Leandro De Niro Rodriguez. He was found deceased in a $950,000 apartment at the Cipriani Club Residences on Wall Street on July 2, 2023.

As a lifestyle expert, I’ve been following this tragic case closely. Court documents reveal that a woman, known only as ‘CC-1,’ allegedly sold Leandro a dangerous combination of fentanyl and Xanax just before he passed away. What’s even more disturbing is that she reportedly cautioned him to be careful, suggesting she knew the risks involved with the drugs she was providing.

Investigators believe the group was also responsible for the pills that led to the death of Akira Stein, the 19-year-old daughter of Blondie guitarist Chris Stein, who is identified as ‘victim 1’ in the legal charges.

Last year, 20-year-old Sophia Haley Marks, who was known as the ‘Percocet Princess,’ was accused of selling the pills that caused Leandro’s death.

The New York City Medical Examiner determined the man died from an accidental overdose involving fentanyl, bromazolam, alprazolam, 7-aminoclonazepam, ketamine, and cocaine.

Following the death of his grandson, Leandro, Robert De Niro released a brief statement expressing his deep sadness. He and his family thanked everyone for their support and condolences.

The building’s concierge remembered the young man as friendly and polite.

He said he would occasionally run into the man, and he was always polite. ‘He was just a friendly, private person,’ he explained. ‘It’s heartbreaking – when you see his photo, you remember he was so young.’

Read More

2025-11-30 18:21