Rob and Michele Reiner Spent Their Final Months Trying Everything to Help Son Nick: ‘They Never Lost Hope’

As parents, Rob and Michele Reiner were not just doting parents to their kids; they also helped them as they struggled. For the couple, giving up on their son Nick was never an option, even as his struggles became increasingly challenging to manage, a source close to the family told People.

“His issues were far, far out of his parents’ control,” the source says of the 32-year-old, who has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder in connection with the December 14 deaths of his parents.

They ‘Never Lost Hope’ in Their Son

Nick had long spoken openly about his battles with addiction, homelessness, and attempts at recovery. But according to the source, those efforts rarely led to lasting change.

“He didn’t take [his parents’] help seriously. This was true for years and years,” the source says.

Through it all, Rob and Michele remained compassionate toward their son.

“They were empathetic to how much his struggles contributed to his behavior,” the source says. “They never lost hope in him, even when he was scaring them or making their lives harder.”

A Struggle That Changed Day to Day

The source says Nick’s life was defined by sharp contrasts, with moments of progress often giving way to relapse.

“Nick had so many good days, too,” the source says. His struggles would change day to day. They thought they had more time before it resulted in tragedy.”

The BBC reported that Rob, 78, and Michele, 70, were found dead inside their Los Angeles home on Sunday. They were also parents to their son, Jake, and daughter, Romy.

Balancing Parenthood and Career Pressures

Rob, the director of “When Harry Met Sally,” and Michele, a producer, spent decades balancing demanding careers with parenting, according to another source.

“They did an admirable job balancing parenting and work,” the source says. “But their kids are all adults now, and they had tried so hard already for years.”

People reported that, as one insider close to the family said, the Reiners “could never reach stability” when it came to Nick’s issues.

“They tried everything — giving him space, keeping him close — but his struggles are so deep,” the source says. “They were such lovely people and tried in every way to help their son.”

Family Speaks Out After Devastating Loss

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The New York Times reported that Nick appeared in court on Wednesday, December 17. His attorney, Alan Jackson, declined to enter a plea. His arraignment will continue on January 7.

Jake, 34, and Romy, 28, later shared a statement addressing the loss of their parents. As per the statement published in Variety, the kids described it as the “horrific and devastating loss of our parents,” adding, “Words cannot even begin to describe the unimaginable pain we are experiencing every moment of the day.”

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