Robert De Niro issued a heartbreaking statement to People following the death of his 19-year-old grandson Leandro "Leo" De Niro Rodriguez.

In the statement, the Oscar winner said:

“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.”

Leo's mother and the eldest of De Niro's children, Drena De Niro, shared the devastating news on Instagram.

She wrote:

"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 ."

"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 , I’m so sorry @carlosmare 😢💔. Rest in Peace and Eternal Paradise my darling boy 🙏🏽💔💔💔💔💔🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️."

Drena also shared a statement with People:

"It is with immeasurable shock and sadness that we say goodbye to our beloved son Leo."

"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."

People on social media sent their condolences to the family and expressed their sorrow for their tragic loss.

A cause of death has not yet been disclosed.

Absolutely heartbreaking - our deepest sympathies.