Tragic twist: Actress Sophie Nyweide was pregnant when she died, foul play not ruled out

A heartbreaking development has emerged regarding former child star Sophie Nyweide’s death in Vermont: Authorities have confirmed that Nyweide was pregnant when she died earlier this month. Police have not ruled out foul play. According to TMZ, an unintentional overdose is one potential cause of death. 

A statement released by the New York City Medical Examiner’s Office on Wednesday reportedly confirmed the presence of a non-viable fetus, estimating Nyweide was in the early stages of pregnancy. The cause of death has been identified as a medical emergency, though the specific nature of that emergency has not yet been disclosed publicly, according to People.

“While this is undoubtedly a tragic loss, our investigation has found no evidence to suggest that Sophie’s passing involved any suspicious or criminal circumstances,” NYPD spokesperson Lt. Carla Mendoza reportedly said during a press conference.

Mendoza added, “We extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and fans of Ms. Nyweide during this incredibly difficult time.”

She brought more than performance to her work

Nyweide’s death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from former co-stars and directors who remembered her as a talented actress with rare emotional depth. Director Lukas Moodysson, who cast her in Mammoth at just seven years old, reportedly wrote in a heartfelt Instagram post, “She brought more than performance to her work — she brought truth. I am devastated.”

Born in 2002, Sophie Nyweide began acting in her early childhood and quickly captured audiences with her ability to convey complex emotions far beyond her years. Her performance in Mammoth, in which she played the daughter of a conflicted couple dealing with global inequality, earned critical acclaim and established her as a young talent to watch. She also appeared in An Invisible Sign (2010) alongside Jessica Alba and made various appearances in indie films and short projects throughout her teens.

Friends and family have remained largely private during this time but released a brief statement through a family representative: “We are grieving the loss of Sophie and the dreams she carried, both for herself and her unborn child. She was deeply loved and will be missed beyond words.”

Nyweide, who had known substance use issues, died on April 14, 2025, at the age of 24. Her body was discovered in a wooded area near Bennington, Vermont, near where she lived. A man she was reportedly with when she died is cooperating with the authorities and has not been declared a person of interest in Nyweide’s death investigation.