By Michael NiedMichael Nied
Foul Play a Possibility in Child Star Sophie Nyweide’s Death at 24
- Police in Bennington, Vt. are investigating actress Sophie Nyweide’s death at the age of 24 and reportedly are “looking into a range of possible causes, including foul play”
- Nyweide’s mother, Shelly, issued a statement about her daughter’s possible cause of death, saying that her “knowledge is she was using drugs and was a tiny young woman”
- Shelly also addressed speculation about her daughter’s experience in Hollywood, stressing that she was “always safe on those sets”
Sophie Nyweide’s mother is speaking out following the young actress’ death.
Nyweide, who worked in Hollywood between 2006 and 2015, died at the age of 24 on Monday, April 14, according to an obituary shared by her family online.
An official cause of death has not been revealed. However, police in Bennington, Vt. are “looking into a range of possible causes, including foul play,” according to TMZ.
Nyweide was reportedly found near a makeshift outdoor structure around 4 a.m. local time. Per TMZ’s report, a man was with her at the time of her death, but he is cooperating with the police and not considered a person of interest.
Sophie Nyweide attends the premiere of ‘Mammoth’ in 2009.camilla morandi/Corbis via Getty
The outlet noted that an autopsy, including a toxicology report, will be conducted.
Nyweide’s mother, Shelly, shared a statement with TMZ on Tuesday, April 22. “My knowledge is she was using drugs and was a tiny young woman,” she said. “She was with other people when she died. I didn’t know them. There is an investigation ongoing. The autopsy results are not in. They said it would take six to eight weeks. So I can’t say definitively.”
She noted that those close to the actress “are very distraught and mourning.”
Shelly also addressed speculation about Nyweide’s experience in Hollywood.
The actress’ obituary implied that she “self medicated to deal with all the trauma and shame she held inside.”
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Sophie Nyweide in October 2007.Shawn Ehlers/WireImage
“She repeatedly said she would ‘handle it’ on her own and was compelled to reject the treatment that might possibly have saved her life. May it not be in vain. May we all learn from her brief life on earth and do better,” the obituary reads in part.
In her statement to TMZ, Shelly stressed that her daughter “wasn’t subjected to anything hurtful” while working in Hollywood, saying, “She was always safe on those sets.”
“Please let her rest in peace now,” Shelly added.
As an actress, Nyweide appeared alongside the likes of Michelle Williams, Gael García Bernal, Russell Crowe, Jennifer Connelly, Anthony Hopkins and Emma Watson. She appeared in projects such as Noah and Margot at the Wedding with her last onscreen appearance being in the 2015 reality series What Would You Do?
PEOPLE reached out to the Bennington Police Office and Sheriff’s Office but did not receive an immediate response.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please contact the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.
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