Drena De Niro, along with her father, actor Robert De Niro, is channeling her familyâs grief into a mission to protect young people after the death of her 19-year-old son, Leandro De Niro Rodriguez. In recent interviews, she said the internet influenced some of his decisions before his overdose. Rather than placing blame, she is focusing on awareness, digital safety, and building resources for families facing similar struggles.
Her message has resonated with parents, fans, and advocates who see her transparency as a powerful step toward prevention.
A Mother Focused on Awareness and Understanding
Leandro died in July 2023 in New York City after taking pills that authorities later reported were laced with fentanyl and other substances. The New York City medical examiner ruled the death accidental.
In an interview with People, Drena said online influences can affect teens in unexpected ways. âDigital spaces shape behavior, encourage risky experimentation, and can expose young people to counterfeit pills,â she said. âI want families to understand how quickly situations can escalate, especially at an age when teens are still learning to make independent choices.â
Drena also described her son as creative, thoughtful, and full of potential. She told Page Six that she hopes the world remembers him for the light he carried, not just the circumstances surrounding his death. She said sharing his story could spark more open conversations about mental health, digital pressures, and meaningful support for teens.
New Foundation Aims to Honor Leandroâs Legacy
Following the tragedy, Drena and her father, actor Robert De Niro, launched the Leandro De Niro Rodriguez Foundation. She described the organization as a way to turn loss into purpose by providing education, outreach, and community programs for families affected by fentanyl, substance use, and online exposure to illegal drugs.
Authorities arrested five people in connection with the pills involved in Leandroâs death. Page Six reported that prosecutors say the network is linked to several overdose deaths, including his. Drena told People the arrests were âbittersweet.â She said her focus remains on accountability, prevention, and creating safer environments for young people online.
Supporters have praised her strength. âFew parents find the courage to speak publicly so quickly after such a loss,â said one advocate familiar with the family.
A Legacy Built on Hope
Drena emphasized that her sonâs memory guides every step of her advocacy. She told The Sun that she hopes sharing his story encourages families to talk more openly, listen more closely, and take digital risks seriously.
By turning tragedy into action, Drena is raising awareness of the fentanyl crisis and the dangers of online exposure for teens. She said helping others avoid the pain her family endured is the legacy she wants to carry forward.
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