Nyweide began her acting career at just six years old, making her debut in the 2006 romantic drama Bella, where she starred as the title character alongside Eduardo Verástegui, Tammy Blanchard, and Manny Perez.
She gained further recognition for her performance as Jackie Vidales in the 2009 film Mammoth and later appeared in An Invisible Sign in 2010.
Following that period, her acting career began to slow down. According to IMDb, her final credited role was a 2015 appearance on the ABC hidden-camera reality series What Would You Do?
The heartbreaking news of Nyweide’s passing was confirmed through an online obituary published on April 17.
The star’s family shared in her obituary: “She appeared most at peace on a movie set, stepping into another role.
“It was a sanctuary for her—a place where she thrived, supported by the cast and crew who fostered both her talent and her well-being.”
Her mother, Shelly Gibson, confirmed the actress’s passing to The Hollywood Reporter and TMZ, stating that she died in Bennington, Vermont. She also acknowledged that a police investigation is currently underway.
While the exact circumstances of Nyweide’s death remain uncertain, the obituary does allude to the personal struggles she faced.
The statement continued:
“Sophie was a kind and trusting soul, qualities that, at times, left her vulnerable to being taken advantage of.
“She had a deep passion for writing and drawing, and her work often reflected the emotional depth she carried—as well as the pain she endured.
“Her creative expressions served as a map of the struggles and trauma she faced. Despite these insights, along with formal diagnoses and her own self-awareness, those closest to her—including therapists, law enforcement, and others who cared deeply—are heartbroken that their efforts weren’t enough to change the outcome.”
The obituary concluded with a request for donations to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), an organization dedicated to ending sexual violence, in lieu of sending flowers or gifts.
TMZ reported that Vermont authorities found the actress deceased along a riverbank and are currently investigating several possible causes, including the possibility of foul play.
An autopsy is underway and will include a toxicology screening.
