Amid the investigation regarding Imani Dia Smith's murder by her boyfriend, Jordan D Jackson-Small, here's everything we know about her closest people, her family.
A budding talent has been lost to domestic violence as Imani Dia Smith passed away untimely on December 21, 2025. She was just 25 at the time of her demise. Imani's death was investigated by the police officials, who found the former Broadway child actress in a critical condition following a fatal attack on her. The gruesome details of the killing broke the hearts of Emani's near and dear ones. They have taken to social media to express their devastation and sent heartfelt condolences to the former The Lion King star's kin. Here's everything we know about Imani's family.
Imani Dia Smith was at her house in Edison, New Jersey, when police officials were called and informed about her stabbing. As they reached the site, they found her with stab wounds, as revealed by Middlesex County prosecutors. Imani was then immediately taken to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, where the doctors pronounced her dead. After an initial investigation, Imani Dia Smith's ex-boyfriend, Jordan D Jackson-Small, was found connected to her death.
Jordan was arrested and charged with first-degree murder in connection with Imani's passing. In addition to murder, Jackson-Small faced second-degree charges of endangering the welfare of a child (Imani's kid) and third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. The investigation of Imani Dia Smith's death is still going on, and more details regarding the motive behind her boyfriend's murder of her might be shared later. The statement released by the authorities shed light on the nature of the bond between Imani and Jordan. It could be read as:
"Smith and Jackson-Small knew each other prior to the incident, thus it was not a random act of violence."
Imani Dia Smith is survived by her little kid and a few other family members. Imani's only child, her son, is 3 years old and is currently being cared for by his grandparents. Notably, the little one was present at the home when the mishap took place; however, it is not known whether he was a witness to his mother's stabbing. There are no reports about who Imani's baby daddy was and whether she was married. The former Broadway star's mother is a prominent Broadway hair and wig stylist who worked on major productions such as Pose, In the Heights, and Once on This Island.
Imani's father, Rawni Helper, stayed away from the spotlight despite having a popular wife and daughter. The 25-year-old, Imani, is survived by two younger siblings, regarding whom there isn't much information available. Imani's extended family includes an aunt, Kira Helper, who organised a GoFundMe campaign to help cover the family's funeral costs, on behalf of Imani's parents, Monique Rance-Helper and Rawni Helper. The amount would also reportedly cover the trauma therapy and legal expenses following Imani Dia Smith's death. The initial fundraising goal was set at USD 50,000 and later adjusted to USD 55,000.
Imani Dia Smith was a former Broadway child actress best known for her role as 'Young Nala' in the long-running production of Disney's The Lion King. She performed in the musical from September 2011 to September 2012. Imani excelled in acting, singing, and dancing. Following the news of her daughter's gruesome death, their loved ones have been wondering what might have led Imani's boyfriend, Jordan D Jackson-Small, to kill her. Regarding Jordan, little is known beyond his being 35 years old and a resident of Edison, New Jersey. He is currently detained at the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Center in North Brunswick.
We offer our heartfelt condolences to Imani Dia Smith's loved ones during this difficult time.
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