Former child actress Sophie Nyweide was pregnant when she died in Vermont earlier this month, according to new reports.
While Nyweide’s cause of death is still under investigation, police told The Post on Wednesday that they are investigating the death as a “possible unintentional overdose.”
Nyweide, known for her roles in the films “Noah” and “Mammoth,” was just 24.
Her death certificate — obtained by People and TMZ — revealed the news of her pregnancy. TMZ was first to report the story.
The document did not disclose what stage her pregnancy was in, according to People. However, a source familiar with the investigation told the outlet “she appeared to be in the early stages.”
Former child actress Sophie Nyweide (seen here in 2009) was pregnant when she died in Vermont earlier this month, according to new reports. Getty Images
Former child star Sophie Nyweide (left) and her mother Shelly in an Instagram photo from 2021. shellythegibson/Instagram
The Vermont Office of Chief Medical Examiner did not immediately respond to The Post’s request for comment.
“This is a fluid investigation and we are still waiting on final autopsy and toxicology reports from the Vermont Office of Chief Medical Examiner,” Bennington police told The Post Wednesday.
“Investigators are investigating this as a possible unintentional overdose,” the statement continued.
The star was “found lifeless on a riverbank” in Vermont on April 14, “not far from a high school in Bennington” around 4 a.m., The Post confirmed Tuesday.
“First responders arrived on scene and attempted life saving measures,” law enforcement added Wednesday.
While Nyweide’s cause of death is still under investigation, her death certificate — obtained by People and TMZ — revealed the news of her pregnancy. shellythegibson/Instagram
The star was “found lifeless on a riverbank” in Vermont on April 14, “not far from a high school in Bennington” around 4 a.m., The Post confirmed Tuesday. Getty Images
Nyweide was “declared dead at the scene.”
A man was found with Nyweide but is not “considered a suspect or person of interest.” The individual “was the person who contacted 911, summing [sic] assistance for Nyweide” and is “cooperating with investigators,” police said.
The Bennington Police Department’s investigation will consider “a range of possible causes, including foul play,” TMZ reported Tuesday.
Police are investigating Nyweide’s death as a possible unintentional overdose, per TMZ. Corbis via Getty Images
The Bennington Police Department’s investigation will consider “a range of possible causes, including foul play,” the outlet reported on Tuesday. Jens Kalaene/EPA/Shutterstock
Nyweide’s family confirmed her death on Tuesday.
The actress’s mother, Shelly, told TMZ she suspected her daughter had been using drugs around the time she died.
“My knowledge is she was using drugs and was a tiny young woman,” Shelly said. “She was with other people when she died. I didn’t know them. There is an investigation ongoing. The autopsy results are not in. They said it would take 6 to 8 weeks. So I can’t say definitively.”
Jessica Alba and Sophie Nyweide film on location Nov. 4, 2008 in Tarrytown, NY filming the romantic comedy “An Invisible Sign.” Getty Images
Nyweide’s family confirmed her death on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. Scott Wintrow
Nyweide’s online obituary also mentioned her struggles.
“Sophie was a kind and trusting girl,” the memorial 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,” the obituary also said, noting that those close to Nyweide were unable to get her to accept help.
Sophie Nyweide in the 2010 movie “Mammoth.” Memfis Film/Kobal/Shutterstock
Nyweide played the daughter of Gael García Bernal and Michelle Williams in “Mammoth.” Sonet Film
“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 tribute added.
“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 began her acting career in 2006 when she booked a role in the romantic drama “Bella.” In 2007, she landed parts on “Law & Order,” “And Then Came Love” — starring Vanessa Williams — and the Nicole Kidman-led “Margot at the Wedding,” directed by Noah Baumbach.
Sophie Nyweide in the movie “Bella” (2006). ©Roadside Attractions/Courtesy Everett Collection
Two years later, she starred opposite Gael García Bernal and Michelle Williams in the movie “Mammoth.” In 2010, Nyweide appeared in the Jessica Alba romantic comedy “An Invisible Sign.”
Her last feature film credit was in the 2014 film “Noah,” which starred Russell Crowe, Emma Watson and Logan Lerman.
In 2015, she starred in the short film “Born Again” and appeared on the TV series “What Would You Do?”
