A promising life in the spotlight has been tragically cut short. Imani Dia Smith, a former child actress who graced the Broadway stage as Young Nala in the iconic musical The Lion King, has died. She was 25 years old.
Arrest Made in Connection with Her Death
According to authorities in Middlesex County, New Jersey, Smith's death is being investigated as a homicide. Police officers responded to a report of a stabbing at a residence in Edison, New Jersey, on the morning of Sunday, December 21, 2025. There, they discovered Smith suffering from multiple stab wounds.
She was rushed to a nearby hospital but succumbed to her injuries. The investigation led to the arrest of her boyfriend, Jordan D. Jackson-Small, 35. He now faces serious charges including first-degree murder and endangering the welfare of a child.
Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Edison Police Chief Thomas Bryan stated that a preliminary investigation determined the slaying "was not a random act of violence," pointing to the relationship between Smith and the accused. Jackson-Small is being held at the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Center while awaiting a pre-trial detention hearing.
A Legacy on Stage and a Young Son Left Behind
Imani Dia Smith's talent shone brightly during her time in The Lion King. She performed in the Broadway production between 2011 and 2012, bringing the beloved character of Young Nala to life during her childhood.
Her family describes her as a "vivacious, loving, and fiercely talented person" and a "true triple-threat performer." Her most notable role, they said, reflected the "joy, creativity, and light she put into the world."
The tragedy is compounded by the young son she leaves behind. Smith was a mother to a three-year-old boy. She is also survived by her parents, Monique Rance-Helper and Rawni Helper, and two younger siblings.
Community Support Through a GoFundMe Campaign
In the wake of this devastating loss, Smith's aunt, Kira Helper, has organized a GoFundMe campaign to support the grieving family. The fundraiser aims to alleviate the financial burdens associated with funeral expenses, trauma therapy for her son and family, legal costs, and care for Smith's dog.
The page poignantly notes that the funds are intended to help Smith's parents, who must now navigate their own grief while stepping in to raise their grandson and support their other children. More than $58,000 had been raised toward an $80,000 goal as of Thursday, December 25, 2025, demonstrating an outpouring of support.
The message on the fundraiser concludes with a heartfelt hope: that the contributions will allow the family "to focus on what matters most: grieving their daughter, caring for their grandson, and helping their children begin to heal."
