Former child actor Sophie Nyweide was pregnant at time of her death aged 24 as police begin probe
Former child actor Sophie Nyweide was pregnant at the time of her death, according to her death certificate.
The actor, who between 2006 and 2015 appeared in such movies as Bella, Mammoth and Noah, died on 14 April at the age of 24.
Local authorities responded to calls about an unresponsive woman and attempted life saving measures when they arrived, but she was pronounced dead at the scene.
She was found in woods near a high school in Bennington, Vermont, and the US Sun reports that according to her death certificate, she was 'pregnant at the time of death'.
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They queried this matter with the Vermont Department of Health and say that the 24-year-old's pregnancy was confirmed by the department.
Speaking to TMZ, Nyweide's mother Shelly said that she was aware that her daughter was using drugs, while Bennington Chief of Police Paul J. Doucette saying they were investigating a 'possible unintentional overdose'.
Shelly said: "My knowledge is she was using drugs and was a tiny young woman. 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 6-8 weeks. So I can't say definitively."
Her family released an online obituary for the 24-year-old, describing her as a 'beloved daughter, granddaughter, sister, friend and new aunt'.
They said she was 'creative, athletic and wise beyond her years', and 'seemed happiest on a movie set' while being someone who made new friends easily.
The obituary said: "Her death has left a hole in all. Sadness, loss, heartbreak and even anger is present for those who loved her and now will have to continue on without her laughter, infectious passion and zest - without those amazing blue eyes that could look directly into one's soul.
"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 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."
LADbible has contacted the Vermont Department of Health for further comment.
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677.
Joe Harker