Former child actor Sophie Nyweide was pregnant when she died on April 14, according to her death certificate. She was 24.
Nyweide was known for the 2009 romance drama “Mammoth,” where she starred alongside Gael García Bernal and Michelle Williams. Her most recent acting credit was for “Noah” in 2014, which featured Russell Crowe and Emma Watson.
Her place of death was listed as a wooded area in Bennington, Vermont, 25 miles south of her residence in Manchester Center, Vermont. Nyweide’s cause of death is still under investigation, according to the death certificate issued by the Vermont Department of Health.
“She self medicated to deal with all the trauma and shame she held inside, and it resulted in her death,” according to an April 17 online obituary, which has since been removed. “She repeatedly said she would ‘handle it’ on her own and was compelled to reject the treatment that might possibly have saved her life.”
The obituary said Nyweide kept journals and drawings that served as a testament to her artistry, but also revealed the “roadmaps” of her pain.
“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 stated.
Born in Burlington, Vermont, in 2000, Nyweide split her time living in her home state and New York City. She was a competitive snowboarder by the age of 5 and later took an interest in acting.
“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,” the obituary said.
Nyweide was also said to be an enthusiastic traveler and enjoyed learning other languages and customs, according to the obituary. She was a daughter, sister, new aunt, granddaughter and friend to others.
In lieu of flowers, the obituary asked for donations to be made in her name to RAINN, the largest non-profit anti-sexual assault organization in the country.
“Sophie. A life ended too soon,” the obituary read. “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.”
Meriam Bouarrouj contributed.