Following a profound personal loss, the Robert De Niro family is now advancing advocacy for young people by raising awareness about substance abuse and digital safety. Through their efforts, the topic of Robert De Niro family advocacy is taking on new urgency, as Drena De Niro and her father respond to the death of Drena’s son, Leandro De Niro Rodriguez, by promoting resources and dialogue for at-risk youth and families.
Turning Grief Into a Mission to Protect Teens
In July 2023, Leandro, aged 19, died in New York City after ingesting pills that authorities later confirmed included fentanyl and other dangerous substances. The city’s medical examiner ruled the tragic incident an accidental death. In the months since her son’s passing, Drena De Niro has given interviews describing the way internet influences can sway teens’ choices, with sometimes devastating consequences.
“Digital spaces shape behavior, encourage risky experimentation, and can expose young people to counterfeit pills,”
Drena said. — Drena De Niro, Mother
She has emphasized how the online world affects the decisions teens make, urging greater awareness of the risks.
“I want families to understand how quickly situations can escalate, especially at an age when teens are still learning to make independent choices.”
— Drena De Niro, Mother
Drena also has spoken about her son’s character, describing Leandro as creative and full of potential, urging others to remember him for his positive qualities, not just the circumstances of his death. By sharing her family’s story, she hopes to open more conversations about mental health struggles, digital pressures on youth, and the necessity for supportive environments for teens.
Establishing a Foundation to Inspire Change
Determined to create positive change, Drena, together with Robert De Niro, has founded the Leandro De Niro Rodriguez Foundation. The organization’s mission is to transform their personal grief into tangible solutions by developing educational initiatives, outreach strategies, and support programs for families confronting issues related to fentanyl, substance use, and unsafe online environments.
In the wake of Leandro’s death, law enforcement arrested five individuals linked to the distribution of the fatal pills. Authorities and prosecutors believe this network is connected to multiple overdose deaths, including Leandro’s case. While Drena described the arrests as bittersweet, her attention remains focused on contributing to prevention and fostering greater accountability as well as safety for young people navigating online risks.
Her courage in going public with her story has not gone unnoticed.
“Few parents find the courage to speak publicly so quickly after such a loss,”
said an advocate with knowledge of the family’s journey. — Advocate, Supporter
Perpetuating Hope and Opening Dialogue
Drena maintains that her son’s legacy is the foundation of her ongoing advocacy. Speaking to The Sun, she expressed hope that sharing his story inspires parents and families to communicate more openly, listen to their children, and approach digital challenges with seriousness and empathy. Her efforts, supported by Robert De Niro, reinforce the urgent need for community and institutional responses to the fentanyl crisis and online threats as they impact teens.
By transforming personal tragedy into activism, the family is elevating awareness and creating avenues to help prevent future suffering among teens and families alike. As their advocacy expands through the foundation and public outreach, they aim to build a safer world and carry forward Leandro’s legacy in the fight against youth overdose deaths and digital dangers.
