“Lost Innocence”: New documentary chronicles the tragic death of a Garfield County girl

Five-year-old Sophia Larson’s life was tragically cut short on a winter night in 2019, leaving a devastated father and a grieving community. Five years later, father Alec Larson hopes a documentary about his daughter’s death and the aftermath will help prevent a similar tragedy from happening to other children.

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

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

Sophia was living with her mother at the time of her death, which was rare as she spent most 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, waking up thirsty, drank from the bottle.

Sophia Larson died of 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.

After Sophia unknowingly ingested the meth, she began hallucinating, and instead of seeking immediate medical attention, the adults attempted to care for her themselves – mistakenly believing that they would face legal consequences if they called emergency services would. They moved Sophia to another apartment and after several hours the young girl collapsed. Only then did they rush her to a hospital, but by then it was too late. Sophia died of a heart attack caused by a methamphetamine overdose.

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

After the tragedy, Alec’s legal process was slow and frustrating. The three adults involved were arrested but released shortly thereafter on $5,000 bail. Despite the seriousness of the charges, which included child abuse resulting in death, possession of methamphetamine and reckless endangerment, Alec was dismayed at how quickly they were released from custody.

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

Alec worked tirelessly to raise awareness of his daughter’s death and was determined that it would not be forgotten or swept under the rug. His efforts helped the case make national and even international headlines, garnering attention even in countries like Australia.

The legal route ultimately led to Sophia being brought to trial. Stephanie Alvarado was sentenced to 32 years in prison, while Daniel Alvarado and Bertha Ceballos-Romo were each sentenced to 15 years. Ceballos-Romo was initially deported, but was found and arrested in Las Vegas in 2024 and later convicted in April.

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

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

The documentary also includes commentary from 9th Judicial District Assistant District Attorney Jeff Cheney, who prosecuted the case. Cheney emphasized the importance of Colorado’s “Good Samaritan” law, which grants immunity to people 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 overdoses and you call for help, you will not be charged for your own illegal activities. It’s meant 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 only a way to honor Sophia’s memory, but also a tool to educate others about the dangers of drug use in children.

“I found other cases where children were exposed to drugs, but no one came forward,” Larson said. “I hope that by sharing Sophia’s story, someone might think twice about using drugs around their children or helping a child in need. I just don’t want this to happen to anyone else.”

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

Carroll explained that the project was created with a limited budget, but with a strong desire to ensure that Sophia Larson’s story reaches as many people as possible.

“We have a great documentary and want to release it, but without the resources it has been difficult,” Carroll said. “We hope that by releasing it online we can raise enough money to have 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 child has to go through what she did, then it’s worth it,” Larson said.

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

Those interested in watching the documentary on October 10 can visit dadtalktoday.substack.com