BENNINGTON — The Bennington Police Department is actively investigating the death of Marion “Sophie” Nyweide, 24, a former child actress and resident of Manchester, as a possible overdose.
Nyweide was found in the early morning hours of April 14 near a makeshift lean-to at the flood wall near the Park Street riverbank in Bennington, a place she allegedly frequented with friends.
Bennington Police and Bennington Rescue personnel were dispatched to a wooded area along the banks of the Roaring Branch River located off of Park Street in Bennington, for report of an unresponsive female. First responders arrived on scene and attempted life saving measures. Nyweide was pronounced deceased at the scene at 4:53 a.m.
An individual was present with Nyweide at the time of her death and they are cooperating with investigators, according to police. The same individual was the person who contacted 911, summoning assistance for Nyweide.
Officials are investigating this as a possible unintentional overdose. 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, they said.
Nyweide was charged last November with one count of felony Fentanyl trafficking. She was facing a possible 30-year sentence if found guilty. That charge was dismissed by the state on the day her body was discovered. Nyweide also pleaded guilty to narcotic possession in September 2024. She was given a 1-12 month suspended sentence and probation.
Police say this is a fluid investigation. Investigators are still waiting on final autopsy and toxicology reports from the Vermont Office of Chief Medical Examiner.
Nyweide was born in Burlington, Vermont, and was a Vermont resident for most of her life. Nyweide was an actress with credits including the 2009 film "Mammoth" with Michelle Williams and Gael García Bernal, "An Invisible Sign" in 2010 with Jessica Alba, and Darren Aronofsky's 2014 Biblical epic "Noah" starring Russell Crowe.
Her mother, Shelly Gibson, also an actress with credits in various movie and television shows, including "St. Elsewhere" and "All My Children," wrote in a social media post about her daughter’s sudden death.
“RIP, my Sophie. She graced us for far too short a time. My daughter was a light for all who met her. For those of us who were truly close with Sophie, we are gutted and will need a long time to get over her passing. I know I never will. God, I love my daughter. I want her back. Fly high, sweetheart - you always could.”
Police are asking the for the public’s help with any information involving this investigation. Anyone who has any information is asked to contact the Bennington Police Department at 802-442-1030 or through our website at www.BenningtonPolice.com.
