Former Child Star Found Dead in Vermont Woods

Sophie Nyweide had a childhood many dream of… and a story few would envy.

Best known for her roles alongside Hollywood heavyweights, she lit up screens in films like “Mammoth” and “An Invisible Sign.” But on April 14, 2025, that early spark was extinguished far too soon. At just 24 years old, Nyweide was found dead in a wooded area of Vermont.

She was pregnant.

A Rising Star in Indie Films

Born in Burlington, Vermont, in 2000, Sophie Nyweide’s path to acting began early. After watching “Something’s Gotta Give” at age 4, she begged her mother - former actress Shelly Gibson - to help her become an actress. By 6, she had landed her debut role in the 2006 indie drama “Bella.”

She quickly became a familiar face in art-house films, working alongside actors like Gael García Bernal, Michelle Williams, and Jessica Alba. Her most notable credits include “Mammoth,” “An Invisible Sign,” and a supporting role in Darren Aronofsky’s “Noah.”

She also appeared on television, including a 2007 episode of “Law & Order” and a 2015 episode of ABC’s “What Would You Do?”

But after nearly a decade of acting, her presence in Hollywood faded. Her last credited performance was nearly 10 years ago.

What Happened on April 14?

Authorities responded to a 911 call around 5 a.m. on April 14 near the Roaring Branch River in Bennington, Vermont. A woman had been found unresponsive. That woman was Sophie Nyweide. Despite life-saving efforts, she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Her death certificate reportedly confirmed that Nyweide was pregnant, though it did not state how far along she was. A source later told PEOPLE that she appeared to be in the early stages of pregnancy.

The cause of death remains under investigation. According to Bennington Police Chief Paul Doucette, the case is being treated as a possible unintentional overdose, though toxicology and autopsy reports are still pending.

A person who was with her at the time of her death called emergency services and is cooperating with the investigation. No foul play has been publicly alleged or ruled out.

Her Family’s Heartbreaking Statement

A now-deleted obituary published on April 17 offered a deeply personal and painful glimpse into Nyweide’s struggles. According to NBC News, it stated, “She self medicated to deal with all the trauma and shame she held inside, and it resulted in her death. She repeatedly said she would ‘handle it’ on her own and was compelled to reject the treatment that might possibly have saved her life.”

While the nature of her trauma remains undisclosed, her writings and artwork - described in the obituary as “roadmaps” of her pain, according to NBC News - suggested a battle that was long, complex, and largely internal.

The family requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, an anti-sexual violence nonprofit.

A Life of Contrasts

Nyweide split her time between Vermont and New York City. Outside of acting, she loved traveling, learning new languages, and snowboarding - a sport she began at age five. She was described by her family as kind, artistic, and trusting, but also vulnerable to being taken advantage of. According to NBC News, her obituary said, “She seemed happiest on a movie set, becoming someone else. It was a safe place for her … the casts and crews who nourished her talent and her well being.”

Her acting may have slowed, but her life continued to be filled with creativity. She reportedly kept journals and produced drawings that those close to her believe reflected both her talent and her pain.

What Comes Next

As investigators await autopsy results, there are still many unanswered questions. What caused her death? What were the circumstances around it? Could anything have been done to save her?

Her story, while tragic, serves as a reminder of the quiet battles some fight every day - and how fame, talent, or success doesn’t always protect a person from them.

References: Former child star Sophie Nyweide was pregnant when she died at 24, death certificate reveals | Sophie Nyweide, former child actor, was pregnant when she died at 24 | ‘An Invisible Sign’ child star Sophie Nyweide dies at 24, was pregnant at death | Former Child Star Sophie Nyweide Was Pregnant When She Died, According to Death Certificate