Robert De Niro 'deeply distressed' after death of 19-year-old grandson Leandro

American actor Robert De Niro issued a statement following the loss of his grandson Leandro De Niro-Rodriguez at 19.

The 79-year-old actor confirmed the news in a statement provided to PEOPLE Magazine. "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," he added.

"It is with immeasurable shock and sadness that we say goodbye to our beloved son Leo," Robert's daughter Drena said in a statement.

"We thank you for the outpouring of love and support and ask that we are given privacy at this time to process this inconsolable grief."

Drena announced her son's death on Instagram as she shared a photo of him. "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," the actress continued.

"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," Drena, who did not share further details of Leandro's death, ended her tribute. She also tagged Leandro's artist father Carlos Rodriguez in her post. "Rest in peace and eternal paradise, my darling boy."

Leandro and his mother were part of films like A Star is Born and Cabaret Maxime. He also appeared in The Collection in 2005. (ANI)