Robert De Niro is seen for the first time since his grandson’s death

Robert De Niro was pictured visibly dejected as he arrived in New York for the funeral of his grandson, Leandro De Niro Rodriguez, who died, aged 19, in an alleged case of a fentanyl overdose over the weekend. Annoyed with all the media attention, the actor tried to cover his face with a newspaper when he arrived at the scene, in an attempt to avoid the flashes of photographers.

The young man’s parents, Drena De Niro and her ex-husband Carlos Rodriguez avoided looking at the paparazzi as they prepared to say goodbye to Leandro at the scene.

The police investigation believes that the death of Leandro De Niro Rodriguez may have occurred from a possible overdose, after his body was found on Sunday (2) inside an apartment in Manhattan, along with a white powdery substance.

“Someone sold him pills with fentanyl, knowing they were adulterated, but still sold them to him. So to all the people still selling and buying this drug my son is gone forever,” Drena wrote on her Instagram on Tuesday when answering questions about the tragedy.

In turn, the official report on Leandro’s death is still open, as the toxicological examination has not yet been released by the city’s Chief Medical Examiner.

In a statement, Robert De Niro expressed deep anguish over the death of his grandson. “We greatly appreciate everyone’s condolences. We ask that we be granted privacy to mourn the loss of Leo,” he said.