Robert De Niro's grandson Leandro dies aged 19

Robert De Niro's grandson Leandro De Niro Rodriguez has died at the age of 19.

Leandro was the son of De Niro's adopted daughter Drena, 51, and artist Carlos Rodriguez, with Drena paying tribute to her late son in a heartfelt Instagram post on Monday.

Drena did not reveal his cause of death but shared a picture of her son, who appeared in the movie A Star is Born, and a poignant caption in which she declared 'I wish that love alone could have saved you.'

The post began: '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.'

Drena continued: '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.'