Boyfriend Arrested in Death of Former Lion King Child Star
A former Broadway child star who once played young Nala in The Lion King has died following a violent incident in New Jersey, according to reports.
Imani Dia Smith, 25, was found with stab wounds inside her home in Edison on Sunday, December 21. She was rushed to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, but doctors later pronounced her dead despite efforts to save her.
Authorities responded to an emergency call and arrested her boyfriend, 35-year-old Jordan D. Jackson-Small, in connection with the incident. He is now facing several charges, including murder, illegal possession of a weapon, and endangering the welfare of a child. Police have not yet released further details about what led to the attack, and the investigation is ongoing.
Smith is being remembered not only for the tragic circumstances of her death but also for her early achievements and bright personality. She was part of the Broadway production of Disney’s The Lion King from 2011 to 2012, where she portrayed young Nala. Those who knew her described her as energetic, kind, and deeply talented, with a strong passion for the arts. Her time on stage was remembered as a period when she brought joy, creativity, and warmth to audiences and fellow performers.
Following her death, a GoFundMe page was created to help her family cover funeral expenses, legal and administrative costs, and trauma counseling. The fundraiser notes that Smith had many hopes and plans for her future that were tragically cut short. She is survived by her child, her parents, and her two younger siblings, who are now coping with her sudden loss.
The case has drawn public attention because of Smith’s background as a former child performer and the serious nature of the allegations involved. Authorities continue to investigate, while supporters and members of the community have expressed sympathy and support for her family during this difficult time.