Former Child Star Sophie Nyweide, Who Played Michelle Williams’ Daughter, Dead at 24

Former child star Sophie Nyweide has died. She was 24.

The actress’ family confirmed her death in an online obituary posted on Monday, April 14. Her official cause of death has yet to be revealed.

“Sophie. A life ended too soon,” the obituary read. “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.”

In lieu of gifts or flowers, the family asked mourners to make a donation to RAINN — the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization — in Sophie’s name. A memorial service has yet to be finalized.

Born in Burlington, Vermont, Nyweide was described by her family as “creative, athletic and wise beyond her years.”

“Sophie accomplished so much in the time she danced upon earth (literally — she danced as she moved!),” the family wrote. “She dreamed (more like demanded!) to be an actor, without ever knowing her mother was an actor, so she did that too with an ease we all marveled about. She seemed happiest on a movie set, becoming someone else.”

Between 2006 and 2015, Nyweide had the opportunity to appear in more than 10 movies and TV shows. One of her most memorable roles was portraying Michelle Williams‘ on-screen daughter in the 2009 film Mammoth.

“It was a safe place for her and she relish[ed] from the casts and crews who nourished her talent and her well being,” the family said about Nyweide’s experience as an actress. “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.”

In Nyweide’s obituary, her family couldn’t help but acknowledge her art, which often depicted “the depth she had” and “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,” the family said in the obituary. “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.”

As the mourning process begins, Nyweide’s family hopes to remember her “laughter, infectious passion and zest.”

“Her death has left a hole in all,” the obituary stated. “Sadness, loss, heartbreak and even anger is present for those who loved her and now will have to continue on.”

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