A young woman who performed on Broadway as a child has died following a violent incident at her New Jersey residence. Imani Dia Smith, who portrayed Young Nala in Disney on Broadway’s “The Lion King” production, was 26 years old at the time of her death on December 21. Authorities have arrested and charged her boyfriend in connection with the fatal stabbing.
“The Lion King” Star Killed in Edison Home
The Office of the County Prosecutor in Middlesex County, New Jersey, released a statement detailing the circumstances surrounding Smith’s death. Emergency responders rushed to her Edison residence after receiving a 911 call reporting a stabbing incident.
Medical personnel transported Smith to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, where she was pronounced dead. The young woman had sustained stab wounds that were discovered when first responders arrived at the scene.
Arrest and Criminal Charges
Law enforcement took 35-year-old Jordan D. Jackson-Small into custody on December 23 in connection with Smith’s death. Jackson-Small, identified as Smith’s boyfriend, now faces multiple serious criminal charges.
Prosecutors have filed first-degree murder charges against Jackson-Small. Additional charges include 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.
Broadway Career and Family Legacy
Imani Dia Smith’s performing career began during childhood when she joined the cast of Disney on Broadway’s “The Lion King.” She performed the role of Young Nala from 2011 to 2012, appearing in one of Broadway’s longest-running and most beloved productions.
Her mother, Monique Rance-Helper, has worked professionally as a hairdresser within the entertainment industry since 2010. Her career spans Broadway productions, as well as more than 25 film and television projects.
Family Establishes Fundraising Campaign
Smith’s aunt created a GoFundMe campaign to provide financial support for Smith’s parents, Monique Rance-Helper and Rawni Helper, during this devastating period. The fundraiser aims to cover funeral expenses, legal fees, and ongoing care for Smith’s three-year-old son and her dog, Kuro. Smith also leaves behind two younger siblings.
The fundraising page has already generated substantial community support, raising over $68,000 as of the time of this article’s publication.
“Imani had her whole life ahead of her,” the fundraiser reads. “She was a vivacious, loving and fiercely talented person. A true triple-threat performer, she most notably played the role of Young Nala on Broadway in Disney’s Lion King — an experience that reflected the joy, creativity, and light she put into the world.”
The family’s statement on the GoFundMe page emphasized the financial challenges facing Smith’s parents as they navigate this tragedy.
“Like so many in the freelance and artistic fields, time away from work means lost income during an already devastating period,” the family wrote on the GoFundMe. “…Our hope is that these funds will give Imani’s parents the ability to focus on what matters most: grieving their daughter, caring for their grandson, and helping their children begin to heal — without the added fear of financial instability.”
Disney Dining sends thoughts and condolences to Imani Dia Smith’s loved ones and fans.
