The 'Lion King' child actress, Imani Dia Smith, died at the age of 25, and here's everything you need to know about her boyfriend, Jordan D Jackson-Small, charged with first-degree murder.
Imani Dia Smith is no longer with us. The former Broadway child star, who is best known for playing ‘Young Nala’ in The Lion King, was brutally killed on December 21, 2025. The young actress had so much potential to be one of the leading actresses in Hollywood, but unfortunately, she was murdered, and the news of her death has shocked the film fraternity. When the authorities responded to a 911 call early on Sunday morning, they immediately rushed to the actress’ residence in Edison, New Jersey, and found the 25-year-old actress dead with multiple stab wounds.
After witnessing the unfortunate sight, the Edison Police Department and Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office launched an investigation into the tragic murder of the young actress, Imani Dia Smith. During the initial hours of the investigation, authorities considered the possibility of a known person murdering the actress rather than a stranger. After some days, when the news of her unfortunate death was made public, it left everyone absolutely shocked to witness such a painful end to her story.
Talking about the details of the tragic killing of Imani Dia Smith, the Middlesex County Officials released an official press release in which they revealed that after reaching her residence at around 9:18 a.m. on December 21, 2025, they immediately arranged for her transport to the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick. After this, the law enforcement identified and arrested her boyfriend, Jordan D. Jackson-Small. The 35-year-old man from Edison was arrested on the charges of being in connection with his girlfriend’s chilling death.
The officials have put multiple charges on Jordan D. Jackson-Small, including first-degree murder, third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, fourth-degree unlawful possession of a weapon, and second-degree endangering the welfare of a child. The officials further added that they continue to investigate what led to this disturbing incident, including the cases involving Imani Dia Smith and Jordan D. Jackson. The cause of death is yet to be confirmed by the police officials, but as of now, all the talk is about the stab wounds and her boyfriend, Jackson, who was arrested and accused of her murder.
Imani Dia Smith’s boyfriend, Jordan D. Jackson-Small, still remains in custody at the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Center, as the outcome of his pre-trial detention hearing is still in process. As per the prosecutors, they are currently doing a thorough investigation into the matter and are exploring all possible angles that led to Smith’s unfortunate death. Not only that, but the authorities have also urged people to come forward if they have any relevant information that could aid the ongoing investigation into the case.
After the tragic demise of Imani Dia Smith, her family and fans came together and set up a GoFundMe fundraiser in order to assist with the funeral and memorial expenses. The fundraiser was organised by the actress’ aunt, Kira Helper, and it will also help cover the funds required for sending Smith’s 3-year-old son for trauma therapy.
For the uninitiated, Smith is survived by a 3-year-old son, but the name and identity of his biological father are still under wraps. According to some media reports, the young kid will now be raised by his grandparents. It is fair to say that not just her family, but also Smith’s death has shaken the entire Broadway community, who had enjoyed her work as a child star. From an early age, she was raised in a devoted circle of people who admired her. Thus, to see her story end this way is completely heartbreaking for all her admirers.
Talking about her acting career, Imani Dia Smith gained Broadway acclaim for her role as ‘Young Nala’ in one of its longest-running productions, Disney’s The Lion King. She performed this role from 2011 to 2012 and brilliantly captured the hearts of the audience. Apart from The Lion King, she is mostly recognised as a triple-threat artist, who is skilled in acting, singing, and performance. Not everyone is aware that Smith’s mother, Monique Rance-Helper, is a hairstylist who has worked on Broadway, in television, and in film. We hope God gives the much-needed strength to Smith’s family and loved ones to deal with the pain of her untimely passing.
What are your thoughts on Imani Dia Smith’s unfortunate death and her boyfriend, Jordan D. Jackson, being arrested in connection with the same? Let us know.
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