Police respond to ‘foul play’ claims after child star’s shock death

By ADAM S. LEVY FOR DAILYMAIL.COM

Published: 03:55 BST, 23 April 2025 | Updated: 03:57 BST, 23 April 2025

Foul play was NOT mentioned by police as a factor in the death of former child star Sophie Nyweide at 24, authorities in Bennington, Vermont told Daily Mail exclusively Tuesday afternoon.

Dailymail.com spoke with Bennington Police Department Lieutenant Camillo Grande in the wake of another outlet’s report Tuesday that indicated ‘foul play’ had not been ruled out in the probe of the actress’ death April 14. 

Grande told Dailymail.com Tuesday that he ‘never said anything to’ foul play being a factor in the tragic death.

‘What I said was that this is still an open in investigation’ said Grande, who has been with the department since 1998. ‘All I said was it’s an open investigation and that there’s no other information at this time to be released.’

Grande told Dailymail.com that the one-time child star ‘was found unresponsive’ leading for officers to be called to the scene. 

Foul play was NOT mentioned as a factor in the death of former child star Sophie Nyweide, authorities in Bennington, Vermont told Daily Mail exclusively Tuesday afternoon. The child star pictured in 2009 in Berlin

Nyweide was pictured with her mother, actress Shelly Gibson, in an Instagram picture 

Asked if Nyweide had any legal history. She was known to law-enforcement here in Bennington in reference to drug use 

‘The police department was contacted, officers responded,’ Grande said. ‘They provided critical care to her, and she was eventually pronounced deceased at the scene.’

Nyweide, a native of Burlington, Vermont, was best known for appearing in movies including 2006’s Bella for filmmaker Alejandro Monteverde; and 2009’s Mammoth opposite Michelle Williams.

She played the role of the younger sister in 2014’s Noah for director Darren Aronofsky, with costars including Russell Crowe, Jennifer Connelly and Emma Watson.

Nyweide’s mother, actress Shelly Gibson, took to Instagram with a solemn statement on Sunday. 

‘RIP, my Sophie,’ Nyweide said. ‘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.’

Nyweide, a native of Burlington, Vermont, was best known for appearing in movies including 2006’s Bella and 2009’s Mammoth opposite Michelle Williams 

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Police respond to ‘foul play’ claims after child star’s shock death

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