Porn star Sophia Leone’s death is being investigated as a homicide, according to her modeling agency.
The Miami-born adult film star, 26, was found ‘unresponsive’ on March 1 by family members inside her home.
The LA-based modeling agency, 101 Modeling, which handled some of Leone’s bookings, has posted updates on social media about her sudden death.
In a post to X on March 9, the agency said: ‘To be clear, Sophia’s death is being investigated as a robbery and homicide.
‘We are going to take a break from social media because this is difficult. But we appreciate seeing the stories from people who knew her. We all agree that she was a sweet, kind and gentle. We all love her.’
Details of the investigation have not been released. DailyMail.com reached out to the Albuquerque Police Department for comment.
In their recent submission to X, Sophia Leone’s modeling agency said: ‘To be clear, Sophia’s death is being investigated as a robbery and murder’
“Sophia was a beloved daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece and friend,” her stepfather Mike Romero wrote on the crowdfunding page
Leone had more than 300,000 followers on Instagram alone, where she posted racy photos from her glamorous film shoots.
But in one of her final posts, she encouraged them to find joy in the world around them in a poignant and fully clothed final post on the platform.
“Go outside and appreciate life a little more today,” she wrote.
ONE GoFundMe donation page has raised more than $13,000 as of Monday morning, with an initial goal of $12,000, as devastated friends and colleagues reacted to her sudden death.
“Sophia was a beloved daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece and friend,” her stepfather Mike Romero wrote on the crowdfunding page.
‘She had a deep love for all animals, especially her three pets.
‘She enjoyed traveling and always found ways to make everyone around her smile.
Sophia will be deeply missed but her memory will live on in the hearts of all who loved her.’
The joy of freedom: Sophia Leone in one of her last social media posts
The 26-year-old had earned an army of fans for her fierce performances in adult films
Friends in her native Miami paid tribute, including Brian Berke, who founded AMA Modeling in 2004.
‘When you were 18 years old you started with me at AMA and now at 26 I have to say goodbye,’ he wrote.
‘I am speechless and heartbroken. I can’t believe what I’m seeing,’ added former colleague Gina Valentine.
Fans of the star have also remembered her on X and posted tributes.
One person wrote: ‘First we lose Akira Toriyama now we lose Sophia Leone. Life is too short, beautiful and tragic. May they rest in peace.’
Another added: ‘Is this Sophia Leone news real??? My stomach hurts.’
An adult creator who reportedly worked with the popular star wrote: ‘Sophia Leone was an amazing member of our industry and she will be missed.
‘We bumped shoulders here and there but I never really had the pleasure of having a friendship with her, I sincerely hope her family and friends are able to have a peaceful place to process her loss RIP. ‘
A Gofundme donation page has raised more than $13,000 as of Monday morning with an initial goal of $12,000 as devastated friends and colleagues reacted to her sudden death
The Miami-born model had more than 300,000 followers on Instagram alone
Her stepfather said she was found unresponsive at her home by family members and that police were investigating the circumstances surrounding her death.
The industry has suffered a wave of tragedies in recent weeks with Kagney Linn Karter’s apparent suicide last month and the discovery that Jesse Jane, real name Cindy Taylor, was found dead at 43 with her boyfriend at their home in Oklahoma days earlier.
Meanwhile, Emily Willis is in a ‘vegetative coma’ and ‘fighting for her life’, her stepfather Michael Willis has revealed.
Willis was rushed from a popular celebrity rehab center in Malibu on Feb. 5 to a medical facility in Thousand Oaks, Calif., after authorities received a call about the 25-year-old, who was found unresponsive.
She had been staying at the facility to receive treatment for addiction, although it is unclear exactly what and for how long.
Michael Willis denied claims she had ‘overdose’ and said: ‘Emily received the treatment and help she needed at the time of the incident to overcome her struggles.
‘Emily remains in a vegetative coma and is fighting for her life.’