Adult star Sophia Leone passed away at the age of 26 after being found "unresponsive" at her home in the United States, her stepfather Mike Romero said on Saturday, 9 March.
Sophia was found in her apartment by her family on 1 March, Romero wrote on GoFundMe, as he sought funds for her memorial.
"On behalf of her mother and family, it is with a heavy heart that I have to share the news of our beloved Sophia's passing," he wrote.
"The sudden loss of Sophia has left her family and friends devastated and in shock. On top of the difficult process of grieving and seeking justice for Sophia, the family is also facing the financial burden that they were not prepared for," Romero added. Romero further wrote that the police are conducting an investigation regarding the cause of Sophia's death.
Sophia's modelling agency, 101 Modeling, posted on X, "Our hearts are broken by the untimely and tragic passing of our beloved Sophia Leone. A beautiful spirit who touched many of us. RIP sweet angel and know how much we loved you. A gofund me has been started for her family."
They also said that she didn't die by suicide and that her death was being investigated as a "home invasion homicide."
Sophia's death is the fourth untimely demise in the adult industry this year after Kagney Linn Karter, Jesse Jane, and Thaina Fields.
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)