The life of 5-year-old Sophia Larson was tragically cut short on a winter night in 2019, leaving a father shattered and a community grieving. Five years later, father Alec Larson is hoping that a documentary chronicling the death of his daughter and the aftermath will help prevent other children from facing similar tragedy.

“It was the worst day of my life and news that no parent should ever have to receive,” Alec Larson said. “It’s so easily preventable and should have never happened, and I’ve had to live with the reality that it happened to my daughter.”

Sophia Larson died from an accidental methamphetamine overdose after drinking from a bottle mixed with the drug while in the care of her mother, Stephanie Alvarado, and two other family members. 

A documentary titled “Lost Innocence: The Story of Sophia Larson” is set to release next week, shedding light on the heartbreaking 2019 death. The film aims to not only recount Sophia’s tragic death but also raise awareness about the impact of drug abuse on children.

Sophia was staying with her mother at the time of her death, a rare occurrence as she spent the majority of her time with her father, Alec Larson. On the night of her death, Stephanie Alvarado and her cousins, Daniel Alvarado and Bertha Ceballos-Romo, were using methamphetamine in the apartment. They had diluted the meth in a water bottle to smoke it, and Sophia, who woke up thirsty, drank from the bottle.

After unknowingly ingesting the meth, Sophia began hallucinating, and instead of seeking immediate medical help, the adults tried to care for her themselves — wrongly believing they could face legal consequences if they were to call emergency services. They moved Sophia to a different apartment and after several hours, the young girl collapsed. It wasn’t until then that they rushed her to a hospital, but by that time, it was too late. Sophia died from a heart attack caused by a methamphetamine overdose.

“They didn’t get her medical attention until it was too late,” Alec Larson recalled. “they watched her hallucinate for four or five hours and the doctors at the hospital in Rifle couldn’t help her by then.”

Following the tragedy, the legal process was slow and frustrating for Alec. The three adults involved were arrested but soon released on $5,000 bonds shortly after. Despite the severe nature of the charges, which included child abuse resulting in death, possession of methamphetamine, and reckless endangerment, Alec was dismayed by how quickly they were let out of custody.

“When they were finally arrested, they were out the same day on $5,000 bonds,” Larson said. “They spent a day in jail for literally murdering my daughter.”

Alec worked tirelessly to bring attention to his daughter’s death, determined that it wouldn’t be forgotten or swept under the rug. His efforts helped propel the case into national and even international headlines, even gaining attention overseas in countries such as Australia.

The legal journey eventually led to justice for Sophia. Stephanie Alvarado was sentenced to 32 years in prison, while Daniel Alvarado and Bertha Ceballos-Romo each received 15-year sentences. Ceballos-Romo was initially deported, but was found and apprehended in Las Vegas in 2024 and later sentenced in April.

The documentary, produced by Eric Carroll, captures Alec’s emotional and legal journey over the past several years, as well as the events that took place on Dec. 12, 2019. Carroll, who hosts the podcast “Dad Talk Today,” was moved by Alec’s story and committed to helping him share it with a wider audience. Carroll explained that the documentary took two years to complete, with the goal of ensuring it would reach as many people as possible.

“When I first interviewed Alec, he was just 21 and going through a nightmare,” Carroll said. “I knew I had to help him get Sophia’s story out there.”

The documentary also includes commentary from 9th Judicial District Deputy District Attorney Jeff Cheney, who prosecuted the case. Cheney emphasized the importance of Colorado’s “Good Samaritan” law, which grants immunity to individuals who call for medical help during a drug overdose. He explained that if one of the adults had called 911 sooner, Sophia’s life might have been saved.

“There’s a law that people don’t know about,” Cheney said. “If someone is overdosing and you call for help, you won’t be charged for your own illegal activity. It’s designed to encourage people to save lives.”

Cheney described the case as one of the most heartbreaking of his career.

“Sophia was an innocent child, and her death was preventable,” Cheney said. “It’s heartbreaking to think that if someone had called 911 sooner, she might still be here.”

For Alec Larson, the documentary is not just a way to honor Sophia’s memory but also a tool for educating others about the dangers of drug use around children.

“I found other cases where kids were exposed to drugs, but nobody was speaking up,” Larson said. “I’m hoping that by sharing Sophia’s story, maybe someone will think twice about doing drugs around their kids or help a kid in need. I just don’t want this to happen to anyone else.”

The documentary will premiere online on Oct. 10, with a possible in-person screening at Movieland in El Jebel on Oct. 9 if enough funds are raised. The filmmakers plan to charge a $10 fee for online access, hoping to raise funds for further distribution and possible film festival submissions.

Carroll explained that the project was created on a limited budget but with a strong desire to ensure that the story of Sophia Larson reached as many people as possible.

“We’ve got a great documentary, and we want to get it out there, but it’s been tough without the funds,” Carroll said. “We hope that by releasing it online, we can raise enough to do an official premiere and submit it to film festivals.”

For Alec Larson, the documentary is a way to preserve Sophia’s legacy while advocating for change.

“If sharing Sophia’s story means one less kid goes through what she did, then it’s worth it,” Larson said.

For those looking to donate to help the documentary afford an official premiere, visit gofundme.com/f/help-share-sophia-larsons-story-promote-lost-innocence.

Those interested in viewing the documentary on Oct. 10 can visit dadtalktoday.substack.com.