Sophie Nyweide, Known for Her Early Roles, Dies at 24 — Details Begin to Surface

Child Star Sophie Nyweide Died Unexpectedly at 24 — New Details Emerge

Her loved ones were shocked by the young star’s unexpected passing, but when her family speaks out, the tragedy becomes more poignant as new information about her last moments becomes available.

Former child actress Sophie Nyweide, who starred in “Mammoth” and “An Invisible Sign,” was discovered dead in her hometown of Bennington, Vermont, at the age of barely 24.

New details have emerged in the days after her passing, including a devastating discovery and an extremely intimate interview with her mother.

Around 4 a.m., Nyweide was discovered unconscious in a forested area near the banks of the Roaring Branch River, according to Bennington, Vermont, police.

The area, which was close to a nearby high school, was described as rocky and remote, with temporary shelters made from fallen trees close by.

After a man who had been with her in the neighborhood contacted 911, first responders were dispatched to the location. At around five in the morning, the young actress was pronounced dead despite attempts to resuscitate her.

The individual who made the 911 call is now assisting the police, according to confirmation from Bennington Police. Officials have said they are not ruling out foul play, even though he has not been identified as a suspect.

Since the inquiry is ongoing, more information is not yet available. In an exclusive interview with the Daily Mail, Nyweide’s mother, Shelly Gibson, talked candidly about her daughter’s hardships and the tragic circumstances surrounding her passing.

Nyweide was in Bennington the night before she passed away, according to Gibson, 63. Although toxicology reports are still waiting, Gibson stated that she believes the cause of death was an unintentional drug overdose.

“I know she was a drug user. “She had been for a long time,” Gibson remarked. “We had placed her in numerous therapeutic facilities. The toxicology findings are still pending. However, I anticipate that it will be a drug overdose.

Gibson claimed that despite their continuous attempts to assist her, Nyweide refused to receive further care.

“She repeatedly said she would ‘handle it’ on her own,” the mother who was grieving recalled, “and was compelled to reject the treatment that might possibly have saved her life.”

Gibson’s confirmation that Sophie was pregnant at the time of her death, which had been discreetly recorded in her death certificate, added even more sadness. How far along she was in her pregnancy is still unknown.

Gibson sent a heartfelt message about the death of her daughter on social media on April 20. “My Sophie, rest in peace. Her stay with us was far too brief. She remarked, “My daughter was a light to everyone who saw her.”

“Those of us who had a genuine relationship with Sophie are devastated and will take a long time to move on from her death. I’m certain I never will. I adore my daughter, thank God. I want her to return. The little star’s mother continued, “Fly high, sweetheart—you always could.”

Nyweide had a strong resume as a kid actor, even though he had been out of the spotlight lately.

Following her part in the 2006 film “Bella,” she became well-known for her role in the 2009 film “Mammoth,” in which she costarred with Michelle Williams and Gael García Bernal.

She played Jackie, a young child negotiating a broken family dynamic, in the movie in a nuanced way. She costarred with Jessica Alba in “An Invisible Sign,” which came out a year later.

With her innate skill, Nyweide made a lasting impression while working with industry titans like Russell Crowe in “Noah” and James Franco in “Shadows & Lies.”

While everyone is grieving for Nyweide, a community on the other side of the Atlantic was rocked by the unexpected death of a young soccer player in London earlier this month.

Izaiah Smith, a rising soccer talent at the age of 15, died after swimming. New information about the circumstances of his death paints a devastating picture of a lively life gone far too young, as condolences flood in and his school unites behind his distraught family.

Smith entered the waters of a lake in Beckenham Place Park, which is located in South East London, and was discovered dead late Friday night (April 4, 2025).

His body was found at around 10:40 p.m. BST, according to authorities, after specialized dive teams completed a search. Although the death is “unexpected,” the Metropolitan Police said it is not seen to be suspicious.

Smith’s family was informed by the force that they are receiving support from specialized officers at this extremely trying period.

Lewisham Council has taken preventative measures to safeguard the area in the wake of the tragedy. The lake is still closed as a precaution, with security on hand “until further notice,” as they put it, even though the larger Beckenham Place Park has reopened.

“We send our thoughts and deepest condolences to his family and friends,” a council representative said, expressing the community’s joint sorrow. In order for the police inquiry to determine the complete facts of what transpired, we are collaborating fully with them.”

Smith’s sudden death is especially tragic since days later, 11-year-old Kaliyah Coa, who vanished in the River Thames, was involved in another tragic occurrence. In her case, a “recovery mission” is still in progress, the Met said.

Following Smith’s death, the community at large as well as the late teen’s school, Kingsdale Foundation School, are in deep sorrow.

Headteacher Steve Morrison wrote a message to parents, guardians, and carers, expressing his sincere gratitude for the “kind words and ongoing support at this very difficult time,” recognising the ripple effect of the tragedy on the school’s wider community.

The school has set up multiple channels for the community to grieve together as tributes keep coming in. Throughout the holiday season and beyond, a book of condolence will be accessible on school property.

“Those who have expressed a wish to leave flowers, cards and tributes for the family can also do so,” the message reads. Morrison explained that parents and kids can use the email address he included with the letter to get in touch with the school for assistance.

Smith’s family also sent a note, which the headteacher said reflected the feelings of the whole Kingsdale community.

“We share with great sorrow the passing of our beloved Izaiah; cherished son, brother, cousin, nephew, classmate, and friend,” the family said at the outset of their statement.

A drowning catastrophe sadly ended his promising future, leaving everyone who loved him with an indelible hole in their hearts.

Smith’s loved ones emphasized how he inspired those around him in a way that was far more memorable than his athletic prowess; his “infectious smile, charm, kindness, and unwavering dedication to others” transformed ordinary occasions into joyful ones.

He committed himself to ongoing development both on and off the field as a budding soccer player.

His legacy was defined by his family as “love, perseverance, and the joy he brought to every moment and everyone.

The community’s tremendous support in the days after his passing was also appreciated by his loved ones, who said they were “deeply comforted by the outpouring of love and support during this unimaginable time.”

Smith’s family said, “Each gesture will help us create a fitting tribute to celebrate his remarkable but short life and the light he shared with the world.” They asked anybody who felt inspired to do so to donate to funeral and mourning costs in remembrance of Smith.

Additionally, they urged anybody who wanted to send condolences, memories, or thoughts to use Kingsdale Foundation School, as their words might serve as “a lasting comfort to our family as we navigate this loss.

” The family concluded by thanking everyone who has already provided assistance, stating, “Your love has been a beacon of strength and light in our darkest hours.”

A GoFundMe page link is anchored within Smith’s family’s tribute. Cara Gbemew started the campaign, “In Loving Memory of Izaiah,” to support Smith’s bereaved family on behalf of the Kingsdale Foundation School staff and parents.

“We would like to raise funds in honor [sic] of Izaiah Smith, who was tragically taken from many loved ones on Friday the 4th of April,” the campaign’s message says. We would be very grateful for any donations to help his family at this trying time.

The heartwarming letter that Smith’s family provided is also featured on the campaign. A black-and-white photograph of Smith with his eyes closed and a serene expression on his face is included with the page.

A softly lighted soccer field seems to be the background of the picture, which is a moving representation of the young man he was and the game he loved.

The response to what started out as a modest target of about $3,817.94 (£3,000) has been tremendous. As of right now, 545 donations have been made, more than quadrupling the initial goal and raising a total of around $15,751.53 (£12,377). This act of kindness shows how willing the community is to provide Smith’s family with love, support, and care as they cope with an unfathomable loss.

Smith’s death has caused a wave of grief that has spread beyond his immediate town, school, and family to include the larger youth football community. One of the teams Smith was a part of, Dorking Wanderers Football Club (FC), expressed their grief at the tragic death of one of their own.

The club described Smith as a “hugely popular and talented young man,” highlighting his significant influence on those around him, in a public remembrance posted on Facebook. The message emphasized how tragic his death was and how hard it is to find the right words to express how deeply one feels such a loss.

In addition, Dorking Wanderers FC offered their deepest sympathies to Smith’s family and pledged to help anyone in need in any way they could. Smith was a valued member of the U16s team at the Starz Elite Development Academy (SEDA), one of the numerous organizations affected by his demise.

The academy expressed their collective grief in a heartfelt remembrance, saying that they were grieving the loss of a gifted athlete and a “bright light within our program [sic].” According to the academy’s letter, Smith was always present at training, bringing “the most adorable smile” and illuminating the room with his “huge character and infectious energy.”

In addition to his skill on the field, he received recognition for his consideration, politeness, and respect for all coaches and personnel. As SEDA remarked, “The players and coaching staff at SEDA Academy will forever cherish the memories we shared with Izaiah.” He had a profound impact on the lives of people around him.

Finally, SEDA members offered their sincere condolences to Smith’s friends and family, wishing them comfort in their own manner. They wrote, “You will always be in our hearts,” a remark that everyone who had the honor of knowing him agreed with.

The academy included a heartwarming montage of images beneath their message that showed Smith in his element, standing proudly next to his teammates in both unscripted and staged moments from the field and locker room.

The sadness surrounding Smith’s death has also affected individuals who are even somewhat related to him, as the remembrances continue to reverberate from classrooms, soccer fields, and public areas.

On Facebook, a woman whose son had been Smith’s classmate sent a poignant remark over the teen’s passing.

She emphasized, “Tomorrow is not promised… and shocks like this remind us to seize the day and cherish each moment u have with the ones u love [sic].” Her remarks served as a moving reminder of how fleeting life is.

We want to express our deepest sympathies to Smith’s friends, family, community, school, and everyone else who is grieving for him. In the midst of their sorrow over such a big loss, we wish them healing. Smith, rest in peace.