Pregnant former child star Sophie Nyweide (24) found dead in the woods

Former child star Sophie Nyweide has passed away at the age of 24.

The American actress was reportedly found dead last Monday, 14 April, in a wooded area on a riverbank in Bennington, Vermont, in the United States.

According to People, the Bella actress was pregnant at the time of her death, as stated on the death certificate obtained by the publication.

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Sophie Nyweide’s mother: ‘We are very distraught and mourning’

In a statement sent to TMZ, Sophie’s mother, Shelly Gibson – who is also an actress – said the investigation surrounding her daughter’s death is ongoing.

“They said it would take six to eight weeks, so I can’t say definitively,” she added.

Shelly also revealed that her daughter used substances.

“My knowledge is she was using drugs… She was with other people when she died. I didn’t know them.

“We are very distraught and mourning. All I can say is her time acting was brief, but very happy. She wasn’t a child star in the least and wasn’t subjected to anything hurtful on those films. She was always safe on those sets. Please let her rest in peace now,” she added.

While Sophie’s cause of death has not yet been confirmed, as autopsy results and a toxicology report are still pending, People reports that investigators said they are not ruling out foul play.

According to the publication, police stated that they are investigating the case as a “possible unintentional overdose”.

Sophie was best known for her roles in films such as Noah (2014), Bella (2006), and Mammoth (2009).

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