The Broadway community is in mourning following the tragic death of The Lion King performer Imani Dia Smith, who was fatally stabbed in New Jersey. She was 25.
According to authorities, Smith sustained critical injuries during a stabbing incident that occurred earlier this week. She was rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors fought to save her life, but she later succumbed to her injuries.
Smith’s 35-year-old boyfriend, Jordan D. Jackson-Small, has been arrested and charged over her death. Prosecutors said the incident was not a random act of violence, noting that both parties knew each other prior to the stabbing.
“Moreover, Smith and Jackson-Small knew each other prior to the incident, thus it was not a random act of violence,” the prosecutor’s office stated.
Jackson-Small was arrested without incident following an initial investigation and is facing multiple charges, including 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 pending the outcome of a pre-trial detention hearing.
Smith is survived by her three-year-old son, her parents, two younger siblings, and other extended family members. In the wake of her death, her family launched a GoFundMe fundraiser, which had raised over $50,000 as of December 25.
She leaves behind a 3-year-old son, her parents, her two younger siblings, and an extended family, friends, and community who loved her so very much,” her aunt, Kira Helper, wrote on the fundraising page.
Helper described Smith as a vivacious, loving and fiercely talented person, adding that she was a “true triple-threat performer” whose role as Young Nala in The Lion King showcased “the joy, creativity, and light she put into the world.”
According to the fundraiser, donations will be used to cover funeral and memorial expenses, crime scene cleanup, trauma therapy for family members, legal and administrative costs, as well as ongoing care for Smith’s young son and dog.
Smith was best known for her role in Disney’s acclaimed Broadway production of The Lion King, where she earned praise for her powerful vocals, stage presence, and professionalism. Colleagues describe her as a gifted performer with a warm spirit and a deep love for the arts.
Tributes have poured in from fellow actors, theatre producers, and fans across social media. Many recalled her dedication to her craft and the joy she brought to audiences night after night. “Imani was a light on and off the stage,” one cast member wrote. “Her talent was matched only by her kindness.”
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