Adult Film Star Found Dead in Home, Police Call Death 'Suspicious'

Sophia Leone was found dead in a home by family members on March 1, police say

New Mexico officials are investigating the death of an adult film star, which police describe as “suspicious."

Sophia Leone was found dead by family members on March 1, the Albuquerque Police Department tells PEOPLE.

Police say Sophia Leone was the woman’s “performance name,” but authorities have not provided further information about her identity.

Adult talent agency 101 Modeling reported Leone’s death on Twitter and said it is being “investigated as a robbery and homicide.”

However, police disputed the claim when contacted by PEOPLE on Wednesday.

“We are investigating the death as a suspicious death at this point, and not a homicide, because the preliminary autopsy did not reveal any trauma and did not determine the cause of death,” the department tells PEOPLE.

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In a GoFundMe set up to assist with funeral costs, Leone's stepfather said she was a “beloved Daughter, Sister, Grand Daughter, Niece and Friend.”

“She had a deep love for all animals, specifically her 3 pets. She enjoyed traveling and always found ways to make everyone around her smile,” Mike Romero wrote.

Leone’s friends and followers paid tribute to her on social media.

“I was going through a rough patch, and Sophia helped me,” wrote one user on X (formerly Twitter).

“She didn't deserve that, why would they do this to her, Sophia's the best woman in the world,” wrote another user.

Police say the investigation remains ongoing as they await the medical examiner’s toxicology report.

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