InstagramJust hours after Misty Upham's parents officially confirmed her passing, the late actress' close friend Juliette Lewis has taken to Twitter to mourn her loss while also slamming the reports claiming that Upham's death was a suicide.
The 41-year-old Cape Fear star, who co-starred with Misty in the 2013 drama August: Osage County, shared a photo with her pal on Instagram and praised Upham for her kindhearted presence.
"Misty Upham survived many things that many don't early on in life," she wrote. "She fought for the voiceless feircely. She understood suffering and the deepest pain. She had a presence everyone saw and felt. It is this presence that will continue. Out of the dark space in which her light got dimmed. I will remember her as tuff. Wise. Funny. Spiritual. And hopeful. This is another great reminder to call and check on someone when you think to. Not when its too late. RIPMistyUpham."
A spokeswoman for Misty's family confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter last night that Upham's body was found in Auburn, Wash. more than two weeks after she was first reported missing.
Her cause of death has yet to be determined, although the Auburn Police Department told E! News on Thursday, "At this point we do not have any evidence or information to believe there is foul play."
Misty's father, Charles Upham, had previously stated that his daughter suffered from bipolar disorder and was off her medication when she disappeared, leading him to believe that she may have been suicidal.
On Thursday night, however, local filmmaker Tracy Rector, a longtime friend of Misty's, said the Uphams no longer believe that is the case after identifying Misty's body. "The family has stated that, after seeing the body, they still do not feel that Misty Upham committed suicide."
Lewis, meanwhile, has reiterated those sentiments on social media, pleading for a further police investigation in addition to claiming that Misty feared for her life before her death.
#RIPMistyUpham I am in shock and greif. I pray the police do a murder investigation. They're saying not "foul play" when ofcourse it is.
? Juliette Lewis (@JulietteLewis) October 17, 2014#RIPMistyUpham Misty spoke out alot against injustices within Native community. And had known enemies. Police must do an investigation.
? Juliette Lewis (@JulietteLewis) October 17, 2014I cant sleep. Too much darkness. I feel so sad about Misty. I know she has more to say. And about how she died. #RIPMistyUpham
? Juliette Lewis (@JulietteLewis) October 17, 2014Misty told me about horrible violence she suffered on NA reservations She felt she coul be murdered! Bcuz she was vocal #ThisIsNOTaSUICIDE
? Juliette Lewis (@JulietteLewis) October 17, 2014Lewis isn't the only star who has paid her condolences in light of Misty's passing. Meryl Streep expressed her sympathies to the Hollywood Reporter, saying, "So, so sad to hear this news—all our thoughts are with her family and with her beautiful spirit" while Melissa Leo, Upham's Frozen River co-star added, "Such a loss...so sad, so so sad."