Adult film star Sophia Leone has died after being found "unresponsive" at her apartment in the US earlier this month, media reports said on Saturday. She was 26.

Sophia was found "unresponsive" in her apartment on March 1 by her family, her stepfather Mike 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 said.

"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 said.

He said that the local police are investigating the cause of death.

Her modeling agency, 101 Modeling, confirmed the deathand said that their "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," 101 Modeling said in a post on X.

They also said that she didn't die of suicide and that her death was being investigated as a "home invasion homicide".

Sophia Leone was born on June 10, 1997, in Miami in the US.

She entered the adult entertainment industry at the age of 18 and was said to have a net worth north of $1 million.