BENNINGTON, Vt. (WRGB) — Bennington Police are investigating the untimely death of 24-year-old Marion S. Nyweide, which occurred on Monday, April 14, 2025, in a wooded area along the Roaring Branch River off Park Street.
Police and rescue personnel responded to a report of an unresponsive female at 4:10 a.m. First responders attempted life-saving measures, but Nyweide was pronounced dead at the scene at 4:53 a.m.
An individual present with Nyweide at the time of her death contacted 911 and is cooperating with investigators. Authorities are considering the possibility of an unintentional overdose.
The Bennington Police Bureau of Criminal Investigations is conducting a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances and cause of Nyweide’s death. The investigation remains open, and no further details are available at this time.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Bennington Police Department at 802-442-1030 or visit their website at www.BenningtonPolice.com.
Nyweide, also went by Sophie and acted in several Hollywood movies including “Noah” and “Mammoth.” Her obituary says she “demanded” to be an actress, following in her mother Shelley Gibson’s footsteps.
She seemed happiest on a movie set, becoming someone else. It was a safe place for her and she relished the attention from casts and crews who nourished her talent and her well being,” the young adult’s obituary reads. “She was an eager adventurer and picked up the customs and even languages of any place she visited. She made friends easily at her schools and saw the good in everyone.
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. 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 from her fate. She self medicated to deal with all the trauma and shame she held inside, and it possibly lead to 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.
