Archive · 25 Dec 2025
Broadway Star Imani Smith Dies at 26
Imani Smith, who played Young Nala in The Lion King on Broadway, has sadly passed away at the age of 26.
She was found with multiple stab wounds at her home in New Jersey.
Her boyfriend, Jordan D. Jackson-Small, has been arrested and charged with murder.
Imani is survived by her young son, parents, siblings, and many loved ones.
A fundraiser has been set up to help her family with expenses and to support her son.
Imani was known for her talent and kindness, and her death has been a shock to many who knew her.
Former Broadway child actor Imani Smith, known for her role as Young Nala in The Lion King, has died at the age of 26.
Smith was found with multiple stab wounds at her residence in Edison, New Jersey, on December 21, 2025, and was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Her boyfriend, Jordan D. Jackson-Small, 35, has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder and several other offenses.
Smith is survived by her 3-year-old son, parents Monique Rance-Helper and Rawni Helper, aunt Kira Helper, two younger siblings, and an extended circle of family and friends.
A GoFundMe page has been created to cover funeral expenses, crime scene cleanup, trauma therapy, legal costs, and care for Smith's son and dog, with a target of $55,000 and $47,000 raised as of the latest report.
- Who
- Imani Smith, a former Broadway child actress known for her role as Young Nala in The Lion King, and her boyfriend Jordan D. Jackson-Small, who has been charged with her murder.
- What
- Imani Smith was found with multiple stab wounds and later pronounced dead. Her boyfriend has been charged with murder and other offenses.
- When
- The incident occurred on December 21, 2025, and the suspect was arrested on December 23, 2025.
- Where
- The incident took place at a residence in Edison, New Jersey.
- Why
- The specific circumstances surrounding the alleged crime have not been disclosed by prosecutors.
- Victim
- Imani Smith
- Age
- 26
- Cause of Death
- Multiple stab wounds
- Location of Incident
- Edison, New Jersey
- Date of Incident
- December 21, 2025
- Suspect
- Jordan D. Jackson-Small
- Charges
- First-degree murder, second-degree endangering the welfare of a child, third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, fourth-degree unlawful possession of a weapon
- Survivors
- 3-year-old son, parents Monique Rance-Helper and Rawni Helper, aunt Kira Helper, two younger siblings, extended family, friends, and community
- GoFundMe Target
- $55,000
- GoFundMe Raised
- $47,000
Sources
Former Lion King Child Actor Imani Dia Smith Dies At 25; Boyfriend Charged With Murder
Imani Dia Smith Death: Who Is Jordan D. Jackson-Small, Boyfriend Charged With Murder in ‘Lion King’ Actor’s Death
‘Lion King’ Child Star Imani Smith Killed At 26; Boyfriend Charged With First-Degree Murder
Who was Imani Dia Smith? 25-year-old The Lion King child actress found dead, boyfriend charged with murder
Former Lion King Broadway child actress Imani Smith dies at 25; boyfriend charged with murder
Imani Dia Smith Death: The Lion King Child Actress Killed By Boyfriend At 25
Former child actress Imani Smith of 'The Lion King Broadway' fame dies at 25, boyfriend charged with murder: Report
Imani Smith, ‘Lion King’ Broadway star, dies after stabbing; boyfriend Jordan Jackson-Small in custody
'Lion King' Actor Imani Smith Stabbed To Death, Boyfriend Arrested
Imani Dia Smith, The Lion King child star, stabbed to death at 25; boyfriend arrested for murder
