Tragic Death: “Lion King” Child Star Fatally Stabbed, Suspect Arrested
The Broadway community is mourning a shocking and devastating loss this week. Imani Dia Smith, a talented performer best known for her role as a child star as Young Nala in Disney’s “The Lion King” on Broadway, has tragically died at the age of 26. She was fatally stabbed. This terrible and senseless act of violence has left a family shattered and a young child without his mother.
Imani Smith Dies After Being Stabbed
According to reports from the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, the tragedy unfolded just days before Christmas. On Sunday morning, police responded to a 911 call in Edison, New Jersey, where they discovered Smith suffering from fatal stab wounds. She was rushed to a nearby hospital but was sadly pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Boyfriend Charged in Fatal Stabbing
Authorities have arrested 35-year-old Jordan D. Jackson-Small in connection with Smith’s death. Officials confirmed that the two were in a relationship, ruling out a random act of violence. Jackson-Small now faces severe charges, including first-degree murder and weapons possession.
Perhaps most heartbreaking is the additional charge of second-degree endangering the welfare of a child. This charge stems from the fact that “The Lion King’s” child star’s 3-year-old son was present during the violent incident. While the boy was physically unharmed, the psychological toll of such an event is unimaginable.
Jackson-Small is currently being held at the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Center. He is awaiting his pre-trial detention hearing.
Remembering a “True Triple-Threat”
Imani Smith was more than just a headline; she was a vibrant artist with a promising future. From 2011 to 2012, she lit up the Broadway stage, bringing the character of Young Nala to life with a charisma that her family says she carried into every aspect of her world.
According to the NY Post, her aunt, Kira Helper, described Smith as a “vivacious, loving, and fiercely talented person” in a heartfelt tribute. “She was a true triple-threat performer,” Helper wrote, noting that her time on Broadway reflected the “joy, creativity, and light she put into the world.”
Family Seeks Support for Smith’s Son
In the aftermath of this tragedy, Smith’s parents, Monique Rance-Helper and Rawni Helper, have been thrown into a nightmare. They are now navigating the dual burden of grieving their daughter while stepping in to raise their young grandson.
To help with the unexpected financial strain, the family has now launched a GoFundMe campaign. The funds will go toward funeral expenses and specialized trauma counseling for Smith’s son. The family noted that Smith’s mother, a freelance Broadway hairdresser, will be unable to work for some time as she manages the bereavement process and childcare responsibilities. As the legal process begins, the focus remains on supporting a family broken by domestic violence and remembering a young woman whose light was extinguished far too soon.
