Lion King Broadway star Imani Dia Smith has died at the age of 25 following a fatal stabbing at a private residence in Edison, New Jersey. The former child actress, best known for her role as Young Nala in Disney’s The Lion King on Broadway, was rushed to hospital after emergency responders arrived at the scene, but she did not survive her injuries.
Authorities confirmed that Smith was found with multiple stab wounds after police responded to an emergency call on Sunday. She was transported to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.
The Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office stated that the investigation is ongoing and that details surrounding the events leading up to the stabbing have not yet been fully established. Officials have not publicly confirmed whether anyone else was inside the home at the time of the incident.
On Tuesday, police arrested Jordan D. Jackson-Small, 35, in connection with the case. He has been charged with first-degree murder, endangering the welfare of a child, and multiple weapons-related offenses. Prosecutors described him only as someone known to Smith. As of the latest update, court records do not indicate whether Jackson-Small has secured legal representation.
Imani Dia Smith began performing professionally at a young age and earned national recognition after being cast as Young Nala in The Lion King on Broadway. She appeared in the production between 2011 and 2012, joining a small group of child performers selected to appear in one of the most successful stage productions in theatre history.
Her role placed her at the center of a global cultural phenomenon, performing before packed audiences in New York and becoming part of a production that has defined modern musical theatre for decades.
News of Smith’s death has sent shockwaves through the theatre community and among fans of the Broadway production. While official tributes from cast members and theatre organizations are still emerging, her passing has reignited conversations around violence, personal safety, and the often unseen challenges faced by former child performers as they transition into adulthood.
Law enforcement officials have emphasized that the case is still under active investigation. Additional details are expected to be released as detectives continue interviews and forensic analysis related to the incident.
For now, the focus remains on establishing a clear timeline of events and determining the full circumstances surrounding Smith’s death.
