Former child star, Sophie Nyweide, best known for portraying Michelle Williams’ on-screen daughter in the 2009 film Mammoth, has died at age 24.
The actress, who appeared in seven movies before turning 10, passed away on April 14 as confirmed by her family in an online obituary.
‘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,’ her loved ones wrote.
They continued: ‘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.’
Her loved ones went on to reveal that Nyweide ‘self-medicated to deal with all the trauma and shame she held inside’ and that ‘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,’ they detailed.
Former child star, Sophie Nyweide, best known for portraying Michelle Williams’ daughter in the 2009 film Mammoth, has died at age 24 (seen in 2009)
In lieu of gifts or flowers, her family requested fans make a donation to Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) in Nyweide’s name.
RAINN is the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization.
Nyweide’s exact cause of cause of death is unknown, at this time.
Her obituary also highlighted her lifelong passion for acting, which her family said she ‘dreamed (more like demanded) to do from a young age, ‘without ever knowing her mother was an actor.’
‘She seemed happiest on a movie set, becoming someone else. It was a safe place for her and she relish from the casts and crews who nourished her talent and her well being,’ her loved ones explained.
Her mom is Shelly Gibson known for her roles in Dust to Malibu, St. Elsewhere (1982) and All My Children (1970).
Over the weekend, Gibson shared a beautiful photo of her daughter, alongside a heartfelt tribute.
‘RIP, my Sophie. She graced us for far too short a time. 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 passing. I know I never will. God I love my daughter. I want her back. Fly high sweetheart – you always could,’ she wrote.
The actress, who appeared in seven movies by her 10th birthday, passed away on April 14 as confirmed by her family in an obituary for The Hollywood Reporter; pictured in 2007
‘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,’ her loved ones wrote (pictured in 2009)
In lieu of gifts or flowers, her family requested fans make a donation to Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) in Sophie’s name; pictured alongside Jessica Alba in 2008
Underneath Gibson’s post, fans left condolence messages.
‘Shelly. No words. I am devastatingly sorry for your loss. Much much much love,’ one wrote.
Another commented: ‘Holding you in my thoughts, you’ve been on my mind all week. I can’t imagine. Sending you as much peace now as I can and even more moving forward.’
Nyweide booked her first acting gig in the 2006 movie, Bella, and proceeded to get a parts in episodes of Law & Order, And Then Came Love, Margot at the Wedding and New York City Serenade.
Her other credits include Shadows & Lies, Mistakes Were Made, Born Again, What Would You Do and An Invisible Sign, alongside Jessica Alba.
