Robert De Niro’s daughter Drena has revealed what she believes caused her son Leandro De Niro Rodriguez’s death.
After an Instagram follower asked how the 19-year-old died, Drena claimed that her son was sold laced fentanyl.
“Someone sold him fentanyl laced pills that they knew were laced yet still sold them to him,” she wrote. “so for all these people still f—— around selling and buying this s—, my son is gone forever.”
The news about her young son’s death became public knowledge on Sunday night (Monday in Australia), after Drena made a post in tribute to him, however no official reports of how his death came to be have been revealed.
READ MORE: Singer and Disney star dies aged 48
The question regarding how he died however was posted on the original statement she’d released after announcing the tragic news on the social media platform.
“It is with immeasurable shock and sadness that we say goodbye to our beloved son Leo,” the statement posted on Monday read.
“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.”
In a statement revealed to PEOPLE on Monday, a spokesperson for the NYPD’s Deputy Commissioner of Public Information shared that after being found unconscious and unresponsive, a male was pronounced deceased by EMS at a downtown New York City apartment.
READ MORE: Pop star reveals marriage to singer was ‘fake’
Since announcing the news to social media, Drena has gone on to share many a heartwarming tribute to her son made by close family and friends including actress Debi Mazar and of course Leandro’s grandfather and beloved actor, Robert De Niro.
“I’m deeply distressed by the passing of my beloved grandson Leo,” the star told PEOPLE.
“We’re greatly appreciative of the condolences from everyone. We ask that we please be given privacy to grieve our loss of Leo.”
Lenny Kravitz and Naomi Campbell were amongst other stars who wrote comments of support.
Drena made sure to thank friends and family for their sweeping messages and support during the rough time.
READ MORE: Amber Heard’s big move a year after Johnny Depp trial
In a recent post, she expressed that the tributes and condolences have “held me up these last 24 hrs”.
“I can barely type through my tears but all the love , the messages, calls, texts, emails, the friends and family that held me up these last 24 hrs I’ve not been able to respond yet but we’re grateful for the all your love and condolences,” she wrote.
“None of this is right or fair and my heart hurts in a way I never knew possible while still breathing and barely functioning.”
She added: “You didn’t deserve to die like this but I can only believe that God needed a strong powerful angel in their army .
“I’m holding you every second of every moment I’m my heart and memories until I’m with you again . My heart is broken forever . Me daddy and your family love you , I love I love you with every beat of my crying heart.”
If you or someone you know is in need of support for mental health issues contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the Alcohol and Drug Support Line on 1800 198 024.
For a daily dose of 9Honey, subscribe to our newsletter here.
