Sophie first stole the spotlight in 2006 when she was five years old and starred in Bella, a New York City-set drama that explored how a single day could change lives.
Born on July 8, 2000, in Burlington, Vermont, she went on to appear in Mammoth and Noah, building a promising Hollywood résumé before quietly stepping away from the spotlight around 2015.
Deep struggles
After that, her once-bright path took a darker turn.
An online obituary paints a picture of a young woman battling deep struggles beneath her artistic brilliance.
“Sophie was a kind and trusting girl. 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,” it reads.
“Many of her writings and artwork are roadmaps of her struggles and traumas. 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 […] She repeatedly said she would ‘handle it’ on her own and was compelled to reject the treatment that might possibly have saved her life.
“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.”
Was with other people when she died
Nyweide’s mother, Shelly, also spoke to TMZ, confirming what many had feared —that her daughter had been struggling with drug use.
”My knowledge is she was using drugs and was a tiny young woman,” she said and added: ”She was with other people when she died. I didn’t know them.”
Her story is one that mirrors far too many former child stars: early fame, quiet exits, personal demons, and a tragic end.
What makes this tragedy even more heartbreaking is the revelation that Sophie Nyweide was pregnant at the time of her death.
Pregnancy
According to her death certificate, obtained by People and TMZ, the former child star was expecting when she passed away. TMZ was the first to break the news.
While the document didn’t specify how far along she was, a source close to the investigation told People that Sophie “appeared to be in the early stages” of pregnancy.
Authorities have not ruled out foul play in the death of Sophie Nyweide. According to TMZ, a man was reportedly with Sophie at the time she died and is currently cooperating with investigators. However, police have clarified that he is not being treated as a suspect or person of interest at this time.
Addressing the swirl of speculation that often follows a young star’s fall from grace, Shelly told TMZ that Sophie was never mistreated during her acting career. “She was always safe on those sets,” she said, emphasizing that the former child star’s pain didn’t stem from anything that happened while filming.
Shelly, clearly grieving, ended her statement with a heartfelt plea: “Please let her rest in peace now.”