Sophie Nyweide's cause of death confirmed as family share heartbreaking statement
Sophie Nyweide, the former child actress known for her role in the 2009 romantic drama Mammoth, has passed away at the age of 24, her family has confirmed
Sophie Nyweide, best known for playing the daughter of Michelle Williams and Gael García Bernal 's characters in the 2009 romantic drama Mammoth has died at the age of 24. The American actress, who appeared in a number of films by the age of 10, was described as "a kind and trusting girl" by her family in a moving statement.
Confirming her death, they hinted that Sophie had taken her own life after a series of 'struggles'. Sophie family further suggested that past traumas were to blame for her death as they explained that they were left broken hearted after their "efforts couldn't save her from her fate." Sophie had tragically "self medicated" in order to process the "trauma" she had ensured.
"She self-medicated to deal with all the trauma and shame she held inside," they said, before adding: "And it resulted in her death." The late star had told her family she would "handle" her issues and had rejected treatment, which they say could have saved her life.
Sophie's family also urged her loved one and fans to donate to the RAINN charity - a charity committed to supporting survivors of sexual violence, cultivating communities of anti-sexual violence activism, and promoting policies that deliver justice and hold perpetrators accountable.
Their heartbreaking statement 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. 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. She self-medicated to deal with all the trauma and shame she held inside, and it resulted in her death. She repeatedly said she would 'handle it' on her own and was compelled to reject the treatment that might possibly have saved her life."
The actress played the young daughter of a mum who was dying of cancer in the 2010 movie, Invisible Sign, which starred Jessica Alba. Sophie, was born on July 8, 2000, had expressed her desire from a young age after watching movies bought by her mum, Shelly Gibson, who was also an actress.
Her mum, who appeared in Dust to Malibu previously said: "She grew up in this movie theatre and slept in the movie theatre and had a little bed in the projection booth and watched many movies." Sophie is said to have "begged" her grandmother to become an actress when she watched the 2003 movie, Something's Gotta Give.
Sophie landed her first role in the 2006 production of Bella, taking the lead - which was written by Alejandro Gómez Monteverde and appearing alongside Eduardo Verastegui and Tammy Blanchard. The movie went on to win the People's Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Following this, she went on appear in an episode of Law & Order one year later, as well as the 2007 movies, And Then Came Love and New York Serenade. Sadly, Sophie's last on-screen credit came in 2015 when she appeared on the ABC hidden camera show, What Would You Do?
In a moving obituary, her family said the star was "happiest on a movie set, becoming someone else." They added: "It was a safe place for her and she relish from the casts and crews who nourished her talent and her well being. She was an eager adventurer and picked up the customs and even languages of any place she visited. She made friends easily at her schools and saw the good in everyone."
They went on to add that the star was a "king and trusting girl," but her sweet nature often left her open to being taken advantage of by people. Her family said: "Sophie. A life ended too soon. May it not be in vain. May we all learn from her brief life on earth and do better. Yes, we must all protect our children and do better."
If you've been the victim of sexual assault, you can access help and resources via www.rapecrisis.org.uk or calling the national telephone helpline on 0808 802 9999.
If you're struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email jo@samaritans.org or visit their site to find your local branch
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Record
2 hours ago
- Daily Record
Police use radar for major new search for Madeleine McCann's body as suspect release looms
A new search for the body of Madeleine McCann is underway in Praia da Luz, Portugal, as police race against time to bring charges against the prime suspect A significant new hunt for Madeleine McCann's remains commenced today in Praia da Luz, Portugal, with authorities eager to press charges against the lead suspect. Specialists from Germany's Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA), known as the country's version of the FBI, have converged on the coastal town equipped with sophisticated ground-penetrating radar that can explore up to 15 feet beneath the ground, The Sun has disclosed. They're operating based on information received and surmise that this endeavour may represent their last opportunity to uncover crucial forensic evidence. "It's now or never," a source stated unequivocally. The detectives are zeroing in on substantial earthworks conducted around the time Madeleine disappeared at the age of three from her family's Ocean Club holiday flat in May 2007. There is a suspicion that her body or personal belongings, such as her nightwear, could have been concealed in trenches in the vicinity. Approximately 30 German officers were observed setting up marquees and cordoning off streets in Atalaia, just outside Praia da Luz. The search will also extend to a cottage located roughly half a mile from the resort, previously utilised by Christian Brueckner, who is at the forefront of the investigation, reports the Express. Presently imprisoned in Germany for assaulting an American woman in 2005 within the same area, Brueckner is strenuously connected to the McCann case. The area, previously a known shortcut for Brueckner, also connects to the property where the 2005 rape took place. Sources indicate that while Brueckner did not reside at the cottage in May 2007, he is believed to have been a frequent visitor. A joint investigation by The Sun and Channel 4 has unearthed unsettling new evidence and locations connected to Brueckner. "German cops know it is now or never so they need to push ahead with every credible tip they have," said a source close to the investigation. "Following Brueckner's trial last year someone contacted them with theories on where anyone who took Madeleine might have dumped her, or her clothes. "They told cops about trenches that were dug in Praia at the time Madeleine disappeared - and the house where Brueckner had lived on the edge of the village. "Of course, all these places have been searched over and over again - but now they have a new weapon in their ground-scanning radar." The insider continued: "With time running out they are praying they get a breakthrough." There is no involvement from British police in the current operation, which is the first official police activity in Portugal since the Arade Dam, located about 30 miles away, was searched in 2023. That search involved collecting soil samples but did not produce any definitive evidence. There are unconfirmed reports suggesting that German police were sent photographs from an informant, detailing specific areas in Praia da Luz where Madeleine might be buried, or where belongings linked to her may have been hidden. Christian Brueckner, 48, who is currently the sole named suspect, has repeatedly proclaimed his innocence, despite German detectives eagerly awaiting new forensic evidence with his release date looming on 17 September. The investigation has been hampered by his refusal to divulge information about a cryptic 30-minute phone call placed near the McCanns' flat on the night of Madeleine's disappearance. Authorities have stated that the identity of the individual on the other end of that phone call has never been established, and Brueckner remains tight-lipped on the subject. An insider from the Portuguese police has acknowledged: "These will be land searches only. The main objective is to look for any signs of Madeleine's body." The Policia Judiciaria of Portugal has expressed its cooperation in the ongoing search, which is being aided by a warrant from the Braunschweig public prosecutor's office. The authority commented: "This is conducting preliminary proceedings against a German citizen suspected of the murder of British citizen Madeleine Beth McCann, who disappeared from a holiday resort in Praia da Luz on 3 May 2007." Moreover, they added: "All the evidence seized by the PJ will, with the prior authorisation of the national Public Prosecutor's Office, be handed over to the agents of the German Federal Criminal Police Service." Kate and Gerry McCann from Rothley, Leicestershire, the parents of Madeleine McCann, have tirelessly pushed for the investigation into their daughter's disappearance to stay active. In a past court proceeding, Brueckner was cleared of separate sexual offence charges in Portugal, yet detectives are still persuaded he has a connection to the Madeleine McCann case. The Metropolitan Police affirmed: "We are aware of the searches in Portugal and will support our international colleagues where necessary."
South Wales Guardian
3 hours ago
- South Wales Guardian
Brooklyn Peltz Beckham says he ‘ignores the noise' around his relationship
It comes amid speculation of a rift between the couple and Brooklyn's family. Asked how he protects his relationship in 'such a public spotlight', Brooklyn told Glamour Germany: 'Ignore the noise. Keep your head down, work hard, be kind. 'People are always going to talk. What matters is that we're happy together.' Nicola added: 'It's not always easy. On TikTok there are always random stories popping up about us. 'When I see fake news, my instinct is to shut it down. But it's not worth it. I just scroll past and move on.' Nicola, who is the daughter of American billionaire businessman Nelson Peltz and former model Claudia Heffner Peltz, married Brooklyn, who is the eldest son of Victoria and David Beckham, in 2022. Speaking about their wedding day and the moment she said 'I do', Nicola told the magazine: 'I was so nervous. 'Saying our vows in front of that many people? Terrifying. 'Someone told me, 'Just look at Brooklyn.' And as soon as I did, the nerves faded. 'When my dad took my hand and said, 'Are you ready?' I just started crying. I couldn't even look at him. I was thinking, My make-up! A post shared by Glamour (@glamourmag) 'And when I walked down the aisle, (UK artist) Sekou was singing Songbird live. I still get goosebumps just thinking about it.' Brooklyn added: 'I'm usually chill speaking in front of people, but that day I was a wreck. Nicola kept me waiting for 10 minutes and it felt like forever. But when I saw her, everything else disappeared.' Brooklyn is the eldest son of former football star David Beckham and his wife, fashion designer Victoria, who found fame in pop group the Spice Girls. The couple, also known as Posh and Becks, are also parents to Cruz, Romeo and Harper. Last month, Brooklyn and Nicola were absent from family pictures celebrating David's 50th birthday.
South Wales Guardian
3 hours ago
- South Wales Guardian
Ralph Fiennes felt ‘flattered' when he learned Pope Leo XIV had watched Conclave
Pope Leo XIV made history as the Church's first American pontiff when he was elected leader in early May, following the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday. The Pope's older brother, John Prevost, told NBC News that the former cardinal watched the movie before voting in the conclave began – so he would know 'how to behave'. In an appearance on The One Show, Fiennes was asked about the film and whether he felt surprised at the news Pope Leo XIV had watched the movie. 'Didn't his brother suggest he watch it, so he could learn how a Conclave went or something? And I was of course flattered,' he told the show. Asked what he said to his brother before the conclave, Mr Prevost told NBC News in May: 'I said: 'Are you ready for this? Did you watch the movie Conclave, so you know how to behave?'' 'And he had just finished watching the movie Conclave, so he knew how to behave,' he said with a laugh. Fiennes, 62, played Cardinal Lawrence in the film, also starring Stanley Tucci and John Lithgow, that was adapted from Robert Harris's novel of the same name. He was nominated for leading actor gongs at the Oscars and Baftas earlier in the year, but missed out both times to Adrien Brody – who won for his role playing Laszlo Toth in historical epic The Brutalist. Overall, however, the film performed well during awards season and won the adapted screenplay Oscar and four Baftas for best film, adapted screenplay, editing and outstanding British film. Fiennes, also known for playing Lord Voldemort in the Harry Potter film series, appeared on the show to discuss Theatre Royal Bath's new staging of William Shakespeare play As You Like It, which he is directing. He said: 'I've done a lot of serious Shakespeare tragedies and histories with a lot of blood and gore and angst, and I just felt compelled by As You Like It. 'It's a wonderful play of spontaneous young love. And I've not been in it, so I have no baggage about having been in it. 'I've seen it before, and it's something about young love, young people transformed by love, by desire, in the context of a forest where, like in A Midsummer Night's Dream, their personalities, who they are, their sense of themselves, is changed by love and by nature.'
