Robert De Niro says he's 'deeply distressed' by the death of his 'beloved' 19-year-old grandson, Leandro

• Robert De Niro thanked fans for their condolences after the death of his grandson Leandro.
• The 79-year-old actor said he was "deeply distressed" by the 19-year-old's death.

Robert De Niro says he is "deeply distressed" by the death of his 19-year-old grandson, Leandro De Niro Rodriguez.

The 79-year-old actor said in a Monday statement to People: "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."

Leandro was the son of De Niro's elder daughter, Drena De Niro, and the artist Carlos Rodriguez.

The New York City Police Department told Insider that officers responded to a 911 call shortly before 2:30 p.m. on Sunday and found an unconscious male at 55 Wall Street who was later pronounced dead on the scene by EMS.

Drena also gave a statement to People, saying: "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."

Drena first announced Leandro's death Sunday evening in an Instagram post.

"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," she wrote. "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."

Leandro was an actor like his grandfather and his mother, briefly starring in "A Star is Born," "Cabaret Maxime," and "The Collection."