The world of Broadway is in mourning after the tragic and violent death of Imani Dia Smith, the talented actor best known for portraying the young Nala in the iconic stage production of Disney's The Lion King. The 25-year-old performer was found stabbed to death at her residence in New Jersey, sending shockwaves through the entertainment community and beyond.
A Tragic Discovery in New Jersey
According to official statements from the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office, the incident unfolded on the morning of Sunday, December 21, 2025. Authorities received a distressing 911 call at approximately 9:18 A.M. reporting a stabbing at a home on Grove Avenue in Edison, New Jersey.
Police and emergency responders rushed to the scene, where they discovered Imani Smith suffering from multiple stab wounds. She was immediately transported to the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital for urgent medical attention. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, she was pronounced deceased at the hospital.
Boyfriend Charged with First-Degree Murder
The investigation moved swiftly, leading to the arrest of Jordan D. Jackson-Small, 35, identified as Smith's boyfriend. The prosecutor's office confirmed that the two individuals were known to each other, indicating this was not a random act of violence.
Jackson-Small was taken into custody without incident and now faces a series of serious charges. The formal charges include first-degree Murder, second-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child, third-degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, and fourth-degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon.
He is currently being held at the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Center, awaiting a Pre-Trial detention hearing to determine if he will remain in custody as the legal process continues.
A Life of Promise Cut Short: Family and Legacy
Imani Dia Smith's death leaves a profound void in the lives of her loved ones. She is survived by her 3-year-old son, her parents, two younger siblings, and a wide circle of extended family and friends who cherished her deeply.
In the wake of the tragedy, her family established a GoFundMe campaign to manage the overwhelming financial burdens. The fundraiser, organized by her aunt Kira Helper, has seen an outpouring of support, collecting over $50,000 by December 25.
On the fundraising page, her aunt remembered Imani as a "vivacious, loving and fiercely talented person" and a "true triple-threat performer." Her standout role as Young Nala on Broadway was described as a reflection of "the joy, creativity, and light she put into the world."
The funds raised are intended to cover funeral and memorial expenses, crime scene cleanup at her residence, trauma therapy for the grieving family, legal and administrative costs related to the case, and the future care of Imani's young son and her dog.
The family also shared that Imani's mother is a hairdresser for Hollywood films, with recent work on projects like The Housemaid, highlighting the family's deep roots in the creative arts.
The entertainment industry has lost a bright star in a senseless act of violence. As the legal proceedings against Jordan D. Jackson-Small begin, Imani Dia Smith is remembered not just for her role in a beloved musical, but as a young mother, a daughter, and a performer whose potential was tragically unfulfilled.
