Imani Dia Smith, a former Broadway actress best known for her role as Young Nala in "The Lion King," has died at the age of 25. Smith was found with stab wounds at a residence in Edison, New Jersey, on Sunday, December 21, 2025, after authorities responded to a 911 call reporting a stabbing. She was transported to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, where she was pronounced dead.
On Tuesday, December 23, 2025, authorities arrested Jordan D. Jackson-Small, 35, in connection with Smith's death. Jackson-Small, identified as Smith's boyfriend, has been charged with 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. Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Edison Police Chief Thomas Bryan announced the arrest. Authorities have stated that Smith and Jackson-Small knew each other and that the incident was not a random act of violence. Jackson-Small is currently being held at the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Center pending a pre-trial detention hearing.
Smith performed as Young Nala in "The Lion King" on Broadway from September 2011 to September 2012. Her family described her as a "vivacious, loving, and fiercely talented person" and a "true triple-threat performer".
Smith is survived by her 3-year-old son, her parents, and two younger siblings. Her mother, Monique Rance-Helper, is a hair stylist for Broadway, television, and film productions, who has worked on "The Lion King" on Broadway, as well as productions such as "Eclipsed", "Once On This Island", "The Lightning Thief", the "In the Heights" film, and "POSE" on FX.
A GoFundMe page has been set up by Smith's aunt, Kira Helper, to support her family with funeral and memorial expenses, trauma therapy, legal costs, and care for Smith's son. The GoFundMe has raised over $46,000 towards a goal of $50,000. The family is asking for any contribution and prayers during this difficult time.
The investigation into Smith's death is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Kevin Kirsh of the Edison Police Department at 732-718-8064 or Detective Olivia Ankudowicz of the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office at 732-745-8083.
