Lion King Broadway Star Imani Dia Smith Stabbed to Death at 25 in New Jersey, Boyfriend Arrested

Imani Dia Smith, a 25-year-old Broadway actress best known for her role as Young Nala in Disney’s The Lion King, was tragically stabbed to death at her residence in Edison, New Jersey. Authorities responded to a 911 call reporting a stabbing on December 21, discovering Smith with fatal wounds. She was rushed to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

Smith’s 35-year-old boyfriend, Jordan D. Jackson-Small, has been arrested in connection with her death and faces multiple charges, including first-degree murder, unlawful possession of a weapon, and endangering the welfare of a child. Officials stated that the incident was not random, as both parties knew each other prior to the attack.

Smith leaves behind her three-year-old son, parents, two younger siblings, and extended family. Her aunt, Kira Helper, described her as a “vivacious, loving and fiercely talented person” and a “true triple-threat performer.” A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to cover funeral and memorial expenses, legal costs, trauma therapy for family members, and care for Smith’s son and pet.

The actress’s death has shocked the theatre community and fans worldwide, highlighting the tragic consequences of domestic violence. Smith’s mother works as a hairdresser in the film industry and was recently credited for her work on The Housemaid.