Sophie Nyweide, former child star dead at 24
The actress, who appeared in seven movies before the age of 10, passed away on April 14.
An online obituary written by her family read: '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.'
The obituary 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.'
Nyweide's loved ones revealed she 'self-medicated to deal with all the trauma and shame she held inside' and that 'resulted in her death.'
They said: 'She repeatedly said she would "handle it" on her own and was compelled to reject the treatment that might possibly have saved her life.'
In lieu of gifts or flowers, her family have requested that 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.
The young star's obituary 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.'
The obituary continued: '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.'
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 and What Would You Do.
Following her performance in an An Invisible Sign (2010), alongside Jessica Alba, film critic, Jeannette Catsoulis, predicted Nyweide 'should have a glowing future.'
Nyweide was born in Burlington, Vermont on July 8, 2000.
Her mom is Shelly Gibson known for her roles in Dust to Malibu, St Elsewhere (1982) and All My Children (1970).
In a 2010 interview, Gibson recalled her daughter's love for film coming from watching movies at the Village Picture Shows Cinema in Manchester and watching Nancy Meyers's Something's Gotta Give, at age four.
Gibson said: 'She grew up in this movie theater and slept in the movie theater and had a little bed in the projection booth and watched many movies.'
Over the weekend, Gibson shared pictures of her daughter, alongside a heartfelt tribute.
Gibson wrote: '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.'
Underneath Gibson's post, fans left condolence messages and offered their support.
One person wrote: 'Shelly. No words. I am devastatingly sorry for your loss. Much much much love.'
Another added: '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.'
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