What caused the death of former child star Sophie Nyweide? Details explored
Former child actress Sophie Nyweide reportedly died on Monday, April 14, 2025, at the age of 24. The news was shared in an online obituary paid for by her family on April 17, 2025. Her family alluded to her "struggles and traumas" and the "pain she suffered" in the obituary. They also mentioned her self-medication as a way to cope with her issues.
As noted in the obituary, her loved ones, including "therapists, law enforcement officers," and others, attempted to intervene and help the former child actress but were unsuccessful. She reportedly kept saying that she would "handle it" on her own and turned down any treatment that could have saved her life. It further elaborated on what they believed contributed to Sophie Nyweide's death:
"She self medicated to deal with all the trauma and shame she held inside, and it resulted in her death."
Her family also remembered her talent, describing her as "creative, athletic, and wise beyond her years." Sophie Nyweide made her acting debut at the age of six, starring in the title role of the 2006 romantic drama Bella. She also played the daughter of Gael García Bernal and Michelle Williams in Mammoth, a 2009 psychological drama.
Among her other film roles are appearances in Noah alongside Russell Crowe, And Then Came Love, and Margot at the Wedding. Additionally, she made appearances on the TV shows Law & Order and the reality show What Would You Do?
Police are investigating Sophie Nyweide's cause of death, including a possible "foul play"
While her family admitted in the obituary that Sophie Nyweide's death resulted from self-medication, authorities in Vermont are reportedly investigating various causes that may have contributed to her death, according to US Weekly. One potential cause of death they are examining is foul play.
Citing a report from TMZ, the Bennington Police Department stated on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, that investigators will consider "a range of possible causes, including foul play." The same TMZ report also shared several details about the late actress's death.
According to the outlet, authorities in Vermont investigating the actress's sudden passing reported that her lifeless body was discovered on a riverbank at around 4:00 AM local time on April 14. She was pronounced dead at the scene, and the area where her body was found was reportedly not far from a high school in Bennington.
According to the police, as reported by TMZ, the former child star's autopsy is still pending. However, during an interview with TMZ, Shelly, Sophie Nyweide's mother, indicated that the late actress was using drugs, and the autopsy report is not expected for another six to eight weeks.
The outlet also noted that a man was present with Nyweide at the time of her death. However, this man is reportedly not being considered a suspect or person of interest, but he is cooperating with the investigation.
Authorities are also reportedly searching for other individuals who were with the late actress at the makeshift structure where her body was found before her death. They are allegedly being tracked down to provide their statements.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned for more updates on the investigation surrounding Sophie Nyweide's death.
