Story perspectives

Drena De Niro: Son's Overdose Sparks Fentanyl Awareness Efforts

11/30/2025

Summary

Story summary

Drena De Niro discussed her son Leandro De Niro Rodriguez's July 2023 overdose death in an interview.
She attributed his struggles to internet influences, fentanyl, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Leandro De Niro Rodriguez had been considering rehab.
Five individuals were arrested for selling fentanyl-laced pills after his death.
Drena described the arrests as bittersweet and established the Leandro De Niro Rodriguez Foundation to raise awareness of addiction and mental health.

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Story summary

Drena De Niro discussed her son Leandro De Niro Rodriguez's July 2023 overdose death in an interview.
She attributed his struggles to internet influences, fentanyl, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Leandro De Niro Rodriguez had been considering rehab.
Five individuals were arrested for selling fentanyl-laced pills after his death.
Drena described the arrests as bittersweet and established the Leandro De Niro Rodriguez Foundation to raise awareness of addiction and mental health.