Drena De Niro has spoken out now the cause of her 19-year-old son’s death has finally been confirmed.
Leandro De Niro-Rodriquez was found dead on July 2 in what’s now been ruled an accidental drug overdose.
According to the medical examiner, his death was from the “toxic effects of fentanyl, bromazepam, alprazolam, 7-amino clonazepam, ketamine, and cocaine.”
His mother, Drena, daughter of Robert De Niro, has now released a further Instagram statement about her son’s death, admitting it was the “nightmare of addiction and fentanyl overdose” that “killed him”.
In the lengthy post, Drena hit out at the “inaccurate hypotheses and conjecture by way of trolling” that have arisen since her only son died.
She also slammed those who blame Leandro “for using the drugs” as it will just “continue the process”.
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Drena said of Leandro: “My son suffered tremendously through the pandemic as maybe many of your kids had.
“Sadly addiction took over in the last year and eventually killed him.
“You can politicize it till your face turns blue but mental health and addiction and fentanyl don’t care about pointing fingers and calling names and blaming, it chooses who it chooses and gets in the hands of too many people who then distribute it.”
Tagging Leandro’s father, artist Carlos Rodriguez, Drena’s statement continued: “My heart, prayers and alliance are with anyone who is suffering the loss of their child or loved one to this nightmare of addiction and fentanyl overdose or suicide.
“Hopefully the publicity his very sad death has garnered will bring attention to a much bigger problem and to all the other beautiful young lives that are being snuffed out way too soon and senselessly.
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“I also hope his passing will help bring more empathy, understanding and support to families and people who are struggling with mental health, suicide and addiction.”
Many social media users and friends alike rushed to the comments to praise Drena for the brave post and share their condolences.
Model Linda Evangelista said: “Drena, so sorry you have to deal with this in addition to your loss. One can only imagine how profound your sadness and grief are.
“You are so courageous to speak out and are already helping. Leo must be so proud.”
Actress Debi Mazar added: “Drena. Thank you for being so courageous and speaking out through your profound loss. A mother shouldn’t have to go through this.
“We are Holding Leo close to our hearts, especially with his birthday coming up. Please try to tune out the noise of toxic people if possible. We LOVE you and Carlos.”
Robert De Niro shared a statement following the loss of Leandro, asking for privacy for himself and his family at the time.
It read: “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.”
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