Former Broadway stage actress Imani Dia Smith has tragically passed away at the age of 25. Smith is best known for appearing in a production of “The Lion King.” As a result, both those familiar with and those unfamiliar with her work are offering condolences.
According to PEOPLE, Smith was found in an Edison, N.J., residence on December 21 with stab wounds. The grim discovery came after someone called the authorities to report a stabbing. She was then transported to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, where she was pronounced dead.
According to Middlesex County, New Jersey, prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Edison Police Department chief Thomas Bryaner, her 35-year-old boyfriend, Jordan D. Jackson-Small, was arrested and accused of committing the violent act on December 23.
His charges include first-degree murder, second-degree endangering the welfare of a child, third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and fourth-degree unlawful possession of a weapon.
Smith leaves behind a three-year-old son.
The Family Has Launched a GoFundMe
Following her tragic passing, Smith’s family has started a GoFundMe page. Specifically, her aunt launched it. She said, “It is with a tragic and heavy heart that we share the loss of my niece, Imani Dia Smith, who was senselessly killed by her boyfriend on the morning of Sunday, December 21st, just ahead of Christmas.
Imani had her whole life ahead of her. She was a vivacious, loving, and fiercely talented person. A true triple-threat performer, she most notably played the role of Young Nala on Broadway in Disney’s Lion King — an experience that reflected the joy, creativity, and light she put into the world.
This GoFundMe is being organized to support Imani’s parents, Monique Rance-Helper and Rawni Helper, who are now facing the unimaginable: grieving their daughter while stepping in to raise her young son and support their two other children during this traumatic time.”
The GoFundMe has a goal of $55, and it’s already reached over $48,000. Over 650 people have donated thus far.
Tributes Are Pouring In
Following Smith’s passing, many are taking to social media to both honor her legacy and lament the horrific nature of her death. The On Stage Blog on X was among the tributes.
They said, “The theatre community is mourning the loss of Imani Dia Smith, a former Lion King child performer remembered for her talent, generosity, and spirit. She was 26.”
Dr. Brit Williams said, “This is so awful. Femicide feels like it’s at an all time high right now. 💔💔💔 Former The Lion King Child Star Imani Dia Smith Has Died at 25.”
Someone said on Instagram, “So sad. Condolences to her family.” Another person wrote, “RIP to this beautiful soul.”
