Vermont authorities are investigating the death of Sophie Nyweide, a former child actor best known for her role in the film "Mammoth," as a possible unintentional overdose, according to a statement released by the Bennington Police Department.
Nyweide, who appeared in the 2009 romance drama alongside actors Gael García Bernal and Michelle Williams, was 24 at the time of her death. A news release issued to TODAY.com revealed that the child actor was found unresponsive on April 14 in a wooded area in Bennington, Vermont, and that an investigation into her death is "fluid."
"We are still waiting on final autopsy and toxicology reports from the Vermont Office of Chief Medical Examiner," the release says.
Police say that an individual cooperating with investigators was present with her at the scene and contacted 911. When officers arrived, they attempted life-saving measures.
"Investigators are investigating this as a possible unintentional overdose," the release says. "As with any untimely death, Bennington Police Bureau of Criminal Investigations (BCI) will conduct a thorough and compressive investigation leading up to, as well as the cause of, Nyweide’s death. This investigation remains open and there are no further details at this time."
An April 17 obituary honoring Nyweide's life did not specify her cause of death but described her as a deeply creative and trusting person who faced significant personal struggles.
"She self medicated to deal with all the trauma and shame she held inside, and it resulted in her death," the obituary stated. "She repeatedly said she would 'handle it' on her own and was compelled to reject the treatment that might possibly have saved her life."
Nyweide, whose most recent acting credit is "Noah" (2014) starring Russell Crowe and Emma Watson, is described as a daughter, granddaughter, sister, friend and new aunt. She is remembered as a "voracious" writer and artist whose journals and drawings are said to have been "roadmaps" of her pain.