Imani Dia Smith
| Imani Dia Smith | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1999 |
| 💀Died | December 23, 2025 (aged 25–26) Edison, New Jersey, U.S.December 23, 2025 (aged 25–26) |
| Cause of death | Sharp force injuries |
| 💼 Occupation | Actress |
| 📆 Years active | 2011–2025 |
| 👶 Children | 1 |
Imani Dia Smith (1999 – December 23, 2025) was an American performer and child actress. She known for her role as Young Nala in the musical The Lion King on Broadway.
Early life
Smith was born to Monique Rance-Helper and Rawni Helper and grew up with two younger siblings.[1]
Death
On the morning of December 21, 2025, at 9:18 AM, the Edison Police Department received reports of a stabbing. After arriving at a home in Edison, New Jersey, they found Imani Dia Smith, aged 26, with stab wounds. She was transported to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, where she was pronounced dead.[2] Jordan D. Jackson-Small, Smith's boyfriend, was arrested and 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.[3]
After Smith's death, her aunt, Kira Helper, established a GoFundMe, with a goal of raising $75,000.[4][5] At the date of her death, Smith had a three-year-old son.[1]
Credits
| Year | Title | Role | Venue | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011–2012 | The Lion King (musical) | Young Nala | Broadway | [6] |
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Tapp, Tom (24 December 2025). "Lion King Child Star Imani Smith Killed At 26; Boyfriend Charged With First-Degree Murder". Deadline. Retrieved 27 December 2025.
- ↑ "Woman who starred in 'Lion King' on Broadway as a child is killed in stabbing, officials say". NBC News. 25 December 2025. Retrieved 27 December 2025.
- ↑ Robledo, Anthony (25 December 2025). "Lion King Broadway star Imani Dia Smith killed; boyfriend arrested". USA Today. Retrieved 27 December 2025.
- ↑ Morgan, Katrina (24 December 2025). "Former Broadway child actress Imani Dia Smith dies at 25". abc10.com. Retrieved 27 December 2025.
- ↑ Michelle, Jahaura (27 December 2025). "The Lion King Broadway Star Imani Dia Smith Found Dead at 26: Here's What to Know". Yahoo Entertainment. Retrieved 27 December 2025.
- ↑ "Imani Dia Smith (Performer)". Playbill. 21 December 2019. Retrieved 27 December 2025.
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