Foul play was NOT mentioned by police as a factor in the death of former child star Sophie Nyweide at 24, authorities in Bennington, Vermont told Daily Mail exclusively Tuesday afternoon.
Dailymail.com spoke with Bennington Police Department Lieutenant Camillo Grande in the wake of another outlet’s report Tuesday that indicated ‘foul play’ had not been ruled out in the probe of Nyweide’s death April 14.
Grande told Dailymail.com Tuesday that he ‘never said anything to’ foul play being a factor in the tragic death.
‘What I said was that this is still an open in investigation’ said Grande, who has been with the department since 1998. ‘All I said was it’s an open investigation and that there’s no other information at this time to be released.’
Grande told Dailymail.com that the one-time child star ‘was found unresponsive’ leading for officers to be called to the scene.
‘The police department was contacted, officers responded,’ Grande said. ‘They provided critical care to her, and she was eventually pronounced deceased at the scene.’
Foul play was NOT mentioned as a factor in the death of former child star Sophie Nyweide, authorities in Bennington, Vermont told Daily Mail exclusively Tuesday afternoon. The child star pictured in 2009 in Berlin
Nyweide was pictured with her mother, actress Shelly Gibson, in an Instagram picture
Asked if Nyweide had any legal history, Grande said the actress was known to law-enforcement in Bennington in reference to drug use.
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Nyweide, a native of Burlington, Vermont, was best known for appearing in movies including 2006’s Bella for filmmaker Alejandro Monteverde; and 2009’s Mammoth opposite Michelle Williams.
She played the role of the younger sister in 2014’s Noah for director Darren Aronofsky, with costars including Russell Crowe, Jennifer Connelly and Emma Watson.
Nyweide’s mother, actress Shelly Gibson, took to Instagram with a solemn statement on Sunday.
‘RIP, my Sophie,’ Nyweide said. ‘She graced us for far too short a time.’
She added: ‘My daughter was a light for all who met her. For those us of who were truly close with Sophie, we are gutted and will need a long time to get over her pᴀssing.
‘I know I never will. God I love my daughter. I want her back. Fly high sweetheart – you always could.’
Dailymail.com has reached out to Gibson for further comment.
Nyweide, a native of Burlington, Vermont, was best known for appearing in movies including 2006’s Bella and 2009’s Mammoth opposite Michelle Williams
Nyweide seen at the Toronto International Film Festival 2007 at the Varisty 8 theatre on September 13, 2007
Nyweide, a native of Burlington, Vermont, was best known for appearing in movies including 2009’s Mammoth opposite Michelle Williams
A Legacy obit posted by the family April 17 described the late actress as ‘a beloved daughter, granddaughter, sister, friend and new aunt.’
It continued, ‘Creative, athletic and wise beyond her years, Sophie accomplished so much in the time she danced upon earth (literally – she danced as she moved!).
‘She wanted to emulate her brother on the mountain so she started competing in snowboarding at the age of 5. She raced down the mountain in the fresh cold air, collecting friends along the way. She dreamed (more like demanded!) to be an actor, without ever knowing her mother was an actor, so she did that too with an ease we all marveled about.’
According to the statement, Sophie was ‘happiest on a movie set, becoming someone else’ as ‘it was a safe place for her and she relish from the casts and crews who nourished her talent and her well being.’
The statement concluded in saying, ‘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.’
Donations in Sophie’s memory could be made to the organization RAINN, the family said.
