Broadway mourns the tragic loss of Imani Dia Smith, the radiant child star who brought Young Nala to life in Disney’s “The Lion King,” killed at just 25 in a senseless stabbing in New Jersey. The former triple-threat talent leaves behind a heartbroken family, including her 3-year-old son, as Hollywood reels from another devastating headline.
From Young Nala to Triple-Threat Star
Imani Dia Smith captivated Broadway audiences as Young Nala in “The Lion King” from September 2011 to 2012, embodying the role’s joy, creativity, and fierce spirit at just 11 years old. Her natural talent as a singer, dancer, and actor earned raves, marking her as a once-in-a-generation performer in one of theater’s most iconic productions.
Beyond the Pride Lands, Imani pursued dance and performance training, carrying her Broadway polish into regional theater and aspiring projects. Family described her as “vibrant, loving, and exceptionally talented,” a light whose stage presence mirrored the character she immortalized.
What Happened: The Edison Stabbing
On December 21, 2025, Edison, New Jersey police responded to a 911 call at 9:18 a.m. reporting a stabbing on Grove Avenue, finding Imani suffering multiple stab wounds. She was rushed to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick but pronounced dead shortly after.
Authorities confirmed the incident was not random—Imani knew her alleged attacker, 35-year-old Jordan D. Jackson-Small, her boyfriend, arrested December 23 on charges including first-degree murder, endangering the welfare of a child, and weapons offenses. He remains in custody awaiting trial.
A Mother’s Legacy & Young Son Left Behind
Imani leaves her 3-year-old son, parents, two younger siblings, and extended family, with aunt Kira Helper launching a GoFundMe raising over $46,000 for funeral costs, trauma therapy, crime scene cleanup, and her child’s care. The family called her death “senseless,” noting “she had her entire future ahead of her.”
Her mother Monique, a Broadway hairstylist for shows like “Eclipsed” and “In the Heights,” worked on over 25 productions—ironic that mother and daughter both shaped theater from different spotlights. Funds also support Imani’s dog and legal proceedings.
Theater World Remembers Imani’s Light
Playbill, Variety, and Hollywood Reporter led tributes, calling Imani a “genuine triple-threat” whose Young Nala run defined Broadway’s next generation. Social media floods with #RIPImmani clips of her “Shadowland” performance, fans devastated by talent cut short.
Theater communities vow support through memorials, with “The Lion King” producers expressing condolences. Her story echoes fragile dreams behind stage glamour, prompting conversations on performer safety.
Gone Too Soon: Remembering Imani
Personally, watching Imani’s Young Nala clips breaks my heart—pure fire in a child’s eyes, now forever stilled at 25. Her story reminds us Broadway stars face real-world shadows offstage, making her loss profoundly human amid the Circle of Life’s cruel twist.
As her son grows hearing tales of Mom’s roar, Imani’s spirit endures in every “Hakuna Matata” sung. Rest in power, Young Nala—your Pride Land shines brighter for your light. Support her family via GoFundMe.
