The family of actress Sophie Nyweide revealed the former child star had died, earlier today, with authorities not dismissing the possibility of foul play. Nyweide rose to fame through her portrayal of the daughter of Michelle Williams and Gael Garcia Bernals characters in the gut-wrenching 2009 romantic drama 'Mammoth'.

In response to the shocking news of Sophie's death, her family released a deeply poignant tribute, saying: "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," and continued with "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."

They went on to reveal "She self-medicated to deal with all the trauma and shame she held inside, and it resulted in her death." They continued, "She repeatedly said she would 'handle it' on her own and was compelled to reject the treatment that might possibly have saved her life.", reports the Mirror.

While the autopsy findings will take some time, preliminary information accessed by TMZ disclosed that Nyweide was expecting at the time of her passing. Meanwhile, law enforcement is keeping all options open in their investigation.

In the wake of Sophie Nyweide's untimely demise, her mother Shelly sadly remarked to TMZ: "We are very distraught and mourning. All I can say is her time acting was brief but very happy. She wasn't a child star in the least and wasn't subjected to anything hurtful on those films. She was always safe on those sets. Please let her rest in peace now."

In a poignant tribute, her father reflected on her as "creative, athletic and wise beyond her years."

According to a police statement, the body of the young star was discovered close to a high school in the Vermont town of Bennington in the early morning hours of April 14. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police shared that Sophie's body was located near a lean-to, with authorities not ruling out any possibilities regarding her untimely demise.

Reports have identified a man who was allegedly accompanying Sophie at the time of her passing; he is reportedly cooperating with officials and is not being considered as a suspect or person of interest by the police.