Robert De Niro has made his first statement on the death of his 19-year-old grandson Leandro De Niro Rodriguez, who was found dead Sunday afternoon.

In particular, the famous actor states: “I am deeply saddened by the death of my beloved grandson Leo. Condolences from everyone are greatly appreciated. We ask that we be allowed to mourn Leo’s loss in private.”

Robert De Niro’s grandson, Leandro De Niro Rodriguez, has died at the age of 20. The actor’s eldest daughter, Drena De Niro, confirmed the tragic news on social networks, saying that she does not know how she will manage to continue living without him.

“My beautiful, sweet angel. I loved you from the moment I felt you in my belly. You were my joy, my heart and all that was ever pure and true in my life. I wish I was with you right now. I wish I was with you.

Check out this Instagram post.

Post shared by Drena (@drenadeniro)

The 19-year-old’s lifeless body was found on a chair in the bedroom of a $950,000 apartment at the Cipriani Club Residences on Wall Street. A police source told DailyMail that a substance was found near his body and there were no signs of trauma. He was found by a friend of his, who had not heard from him for a few days, according to the same police source.