Child Star Sophie Nyweide found near ‘makeshift structure,’ police ‘looking into foul play’

The police in Bennington, Vermont, are investigating the death of 24-year-old actress Sophie Nyweide, who became well-known as a child star in several famous movies. Nyweide’s body was found on April 14 around 4 AM near a simple outdoor shelter made from fallen trees close to a local high school.

Authorities are looking into many possible reasons for her death, including the chance that someone harmed her, though no suspects have been named yet. Police confirmed that another person was with Nyweide when her body was discovered. That individual is helping with the investigation and is not currently seen as a suspect.

However, officers are still trying to find and talk to other people who may have been with Nyweide in the hours before she died. They have said the investigation is still open, and detectives are following multiple leads, per TMZ.

Police haven’t ruled out foul play in Sophie Nyweide death

Nyweide’s mother, Shelly, shared a statement expressing her sadness and giving some details about her daughter’s life (and her passing at age 24) to TMZ. She talked about Nyweide’s difficulties with drug use, describing her as a “small young woman” fighting addiction. However, Shelly strongly insisted that her daughter was always safe while working in Hollywood and was never put in dangerous situations on movie sets.

This statement conflicts with Nyweide’s obituary, which gently suggests that the actress used drugs to deal with past pain and feelings of shame. The obituary implied that these struggles, along with her unwillingness to get professional help, may have played a role in her early death.

The police investigation is still underway as they wait for the full autopsy and toxicology report, which could take several weeks. The Bennington Police Department has released a statement saying they are thoroughly investigating and are determined to find out what caused Nyweide’s death.

They have chosen not to share more details right now, saying the case is sensitive and they want to keep the investigation fair. They have promised to look into every possibility, making sure they uncover everything that happened before Nyweide’s death.

Sophie Nyweide started acting in 2006 and quickly earned roles alongside famous actors like Russell Crowe, Emma Watson, Michelle Williams, and Gael García Bernal. She appeared in well-known films such as Noah, Mammoth, and Margot at the Wedding, showing her talent and potential in the industry.

Her last appearance was in the 2015 reality show What Would You Do? While she had professional success, her obituary also highlighted her personal battles, portraying her as a gifted young woman struggling with deep emotional pain.