Authorities in Vermont are reportedly investigating multiple possible causes, including “foul play,” following the death of former child star Sophie Nyweide.
According to TMZ, which spoke with members of the Bennington Police Department on Tuesday, April 22, investigators are exploring a range of possibilities. The outlet reported that Nyweide, who passed away on Monday, April 14, was “found lifeless on a riverbank.”
Nyweide’s family published an online obituary confirming the date of her death and sharing several photos. She was 24 years old at the time.
TMZ also reported further details, stating that Nyweide was found “not far from a high school in Bennington” around 4:00 AM on Monday and was “declared dead at the scene.” The report added that “a man was with Sophie when she died,” and that he “is cooperating with police.” However, he is not currently “considered a suspect or person of interest.”
An autopsy is still pending, and a toxicology report is being conducted to determine the exact cause of death.
Born in Burlington, Vermont, Sophie Nyweide was an actress known for playing Michelle Williams’ on-screen daughter in the 2009 film Mammoth. Her family’s obituary described her as “a kind and trusting girl” who wrote and drew “voraciously.”
The obituary continued: “Much of this art depicts the depth she had and it also represents the pain she suffered. Many of her writings and artwork are roadmaps of her struggles and traumas. Even with those roadmaps, diagnoses, and her own revelations, those closest to her, including therapists, law enforcement officers, and others who tried to help her, are heartbroken their efforts couldn’t save her from her fate.”
Nyweide began her career in acting at the age of six and went on to appear in films such as Russell Crowe’s Noah and Jessica Alba’s An Invisible Sign, among others.
While the cause of death was not specified in the obituary, it did indicate that Nyweide had a history of self-medicating and refused to seek medical treatment.