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Beloved former child actor found dead
Imani Smith, who performed as Young Nala in the Broadway production of The Lion King, has died after a stabbing incident in Edison, New Jersey. The 26-year-old actress — remembered by theatergoers for her appearance in the long-running Disney musical in 2011–2012 — was found with fatal knife wounds and later pronounced dead at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital on December 21, 2025.
Police investigation and charges
Local authorities say Edison police responded to a 911 call and discovered Smith’s body. Middlesex County prosecutors confirmed the death was caused by stab wounds. Officers arrested 35-year-old Jordan D. Jackson-Small — identified by relatives as Smith’s fiancé — without incident. Prosecutors have charged him with first-degree murder, endangering the welfare of a child, and unlawful possession of a weapon. Officials also say the two were acquainted, and investigators do not consider the attack random.
Support for the family
A GoFundMe page launched to help Smith’s parents has a goal of $55,000 to assist them as they grieve and assume care for Smith’s 3-year-old son. The theater community has a history of rallying after tragedies, and supporters are already sharing memories of Smith’s stage presence and bright potential.
Context: child performers and The Lion King legacy
The Lion King is one of Broadway’s most iconic spectacles, renowned for its puppetry, score, and for launching many young performers. Playing Young Nala is a notable early credit for many actors; Smith’s stint in 2011–2012 placed her among a lineage of artists who began their careers under Broadway’s demanding, communal atmosphere.
Broadway and the wider entertainment industry often respond to such losses with benefit performances and funds. This incident also raises uncomfortable questions about domestic violence, safety for performing artists offstage, and the support systems available to young performers as they transition into adult life.
Community reaction and legacy
Fans and former colleagues have shared photos and tributes online, recalling Smith’s charisma and the way she lit up the stage as Young Nala. Behind the scenes, The Lion King’s production teams historically provide counseling and outreach after traumatic events, a practice likely to resurface now as colleagues grieve.
This is an evolving story; further details are expected as the Middlesex County prosecutor’s office releases more information and the legal process moves forward. For many, the loss of Imani Smith is felt not only as a personal tragedy but as a somber reminder of how fragile the lives behind our favorite performances can be.
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