Police probe ‘foul play’ in death of former child star Sophie Nyweide

Authorities in Vermont are investigating the death of former child actress Sophie Nyweide, 24, with police considering foul play among several possible causes, according to reports.

Nyweide, known for her role in the 2009 film Mammoth, was reportedly found dead on a riverbank in Bennington during the early hours of Monday, April 14.

First reported by TMZ, Bennington Police confirmed that a man was present at the time of her death and is cooperating with authorities, though he is not currently a suspect.

Police have not yet disclosed an official cause of death, but an autopsy and toxicology report are pending. Nyweide was discovered near a local high school around 4:00 AM and was declared dead at the scene.

A family obituary described her as a “kind and trusting girl” who expressed her struggles through writing and art. “Much of this art depicts the depth she had and also represents the pain she suffered,” it read.

“Even with those roadmaps, diagnoses, and her own revelations, those closest to her… are heartbroken their efforts couldn’t save her.”

Nyweide, born in Burlington and raised between Vermont and New York City, was remembered as a “beloved daughter, granddaughter, sister, friend and new aunt” who “seemed happiest on a movie set.”

The obituary concluded with a plea: “May we all learn from her brief life on earth and do better. Yes, we must all protect our children and do better.”

Police investigations remain ongoing.