Police in Vermont have launched an investigation into the death of former child actress Sophie Nyweide, with “foul play” being at the center of the probe, according to a report.
Bennington Police Department’s investigation will consider “a range of possible causes, including foul play,” officials told TMZ Tuesday.
The “Noah” actress was “found lifeless on a riverbank” on April 14, “not far from a high school in Bennington” at around 4 a.m., the outlet adds.
Nyweide, who was found with a man at the time of her death, was “declared dead at the scene.”
The man in question is “cooperating with cops,” though he is not “considered a suspect or person of interest.”
An autopsy is pending and a toxicology report is reportedly being conducted.
The Post has reached out to Bennington Police for comment.
Nyweide’s death was confirmed by her family on Tuesday. Her loved ones spoke candidly about her struggles in an online obituary.
“Sophie was a kind and trusting girl,” the tribute read. “Often this left her open to being taken advantage of by others. She wrote and drew voraciously and 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,” it said, adding that Nyweide’s loved ones unsuccessfully tried to get her to accept help.
“Even with those roadmaps, diagnoses, and her own revelations, those closest to her, plus therapists, law enforcement officers and others who tried to help her are heartbroken their efforts couldn’t save her from her fate,” the obituary continued.
“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.”
Nyweide followed in her mom Shelly Gibson’s footsteps by pursuing an acting career. Gibson, was also an actress, was known for TV shows like “All My Children” and “St. Elsewhere.”
“She dreamed (more like demanded!) to be an actor, without ever knowing her mother was an actor, so she did that too with an ease we all marveled about,” the obituary read.
“She seemed happiest on a movie set, becoming someone else. It was a safe place for her and she relish from the casts and crews who nourished her talent and her well being.”
“Sophie. A life ended too soon. May it not be in vain. May we all learn from her brief life on earth and do better. Yes, we must all protect our children and do better,” the obit added.
Nyweide first stepped on the scene in 2006 after landing a role in the romance film “Bella.” The following year, she appeared on “Law & Order,” “And Then Came Love” and “Margot at the Wedding.”
In 2009, Nyweide played the daughter of Gael García Bernal and Michelle Williams in the film “Mammoth.”
She also starred in the 2010 rom-com “An Invisible Sign” alongside Jessica Alba.
Her final credits include the 2014 film “Noah,” in which she starred alongside Russell Crowe, Emma Watson and Logan Lerman.
The following year, Nyweide appeared in the short film “Born Again.”
