Lion King child star Imani Dia Smith killed in home stabbing

Imani Dia Smith, a former Broadway performer best known for playing Young Nala in The Lion King, has died after being fatally stabbed at her home in Edison, New Jersey. She was 25 years old. 

Police were called to the residence on 21 December 2025, where they found Smith with stab wounds.

She was taken to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick but was later pronounced dead. 

Authorities have arrested 35-year-old Jordan D. Jackson-Small, who has been charged with first-degree murder, endangering the welfare of a child, and weapon offences in connection with the incident.

Officials said the two knew each other prior to the attack and that it was not a random act. 

Smith is survived by her three-year-old son, parents and two younger siblings.

A GoFundMe campaign launched by her aunt to support the family and her son has been widely shared and supported online. 

Her death has drawn tributes from the theatre community and fans who remembered her as a talented and vibrant performer whose career began on Broadway when she was a child.