Sophie Nyweide dead: Michelle Williams' former co-star dies at 24 as family pay tribute

Sophie Nyweide, best known for playing the daughter of and ’s characters in the 2009 romantic drama Mammoth has died at the age of 24. The American actress, who appeared in seven films by the age of 10, was described as "a kind and trusting girl" by her family in a moving statement.

Her loved ones spoke of Sophie's work, including her art which they say represented the pain she had endured throughout her life. Tragically, they explained that they were left broken hearted after 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." The late star had told her family she would "handle" her issues and had rejected treatment, which they say could have saved her life.

Confirming her death, her heartbroken family said: "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 . 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're struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email or visit their site to find your local branch.

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