'Whole life ahead of her': Ex-Broadway star who played Young Nala in The Lion King stabbed to death by boyfriend, cops say
Share this @internewscast.com

A tragic incident in New Jersey has claimed the life of a former Broadway actress known for her role as Young Nala in “The Lion King.” Authorities have reported that the woman was fatally stabbed by her boyfriend.

Imani Smith

Imani Smith (GoFundMe).

The Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office confirmed the incident in a press release. Law enforcement officers responded to a call about a stabbing at a residence on Grove Avenue in Edison at 9:18 a.m. on Sunday. Upon their arrival, they discovered 26-year-old Imani Smith with severe stab wounds. She was immediately transported to a hospital but unfortunately succumbed to her injuries.

Soon after the incident, police apprehended 35-year-old Jordan Jackson-Small, identified by Smith’s family as her boyfriend. Jackson-Small is now facing charges of first-degree murder, endangering the welfare of a child, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and unlawful possession of a weapon. He is currently detained at the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Center.

The authorities have not yet disclosed any possible motives behind the attack or the circumstances leading up to it. The investigation remains active, and officials are urging anyone with relevant information to contact Detective Kirsh of the Edison Police Department at 732-718-8064 or Detective Ankudowicz of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at 732-745-8083.

As reported by Playbill, Imani Smith played the role of Young Nala in “The Lion King” from 2011 to 2012. In the wake of her tragic death, Smith’s niece, Kira Helper, has launched a GoFundMe campaign to assist with funeral costs, crime scene cleanup, and legal expenses for the family.

According to Playbill, Smith starred as Young Nala in The Lion King from 2011 to 2012. Kira Helper, Smith’s niece, started a GoFundMe page to raise money for funeral expenses, crime scene cleanup and legal costs for the family.

“Imani had her whole life ahead of her. She was a vivacious, loving and fiercely talented person,” Helper wrote. “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.”

Smith leaves behind a 3-year-old son who will now be raised by her parents.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Alleged Threat Suspect’s Attempt to Delay Case Dismissed in ‘Hey Trump’ Incident

Left: Miranda Perez (Palm Beach County Sheriff”s Office). Right: President Donald Trump…

Trump Administration Critiques Legal Tactics of Transgender and Nonbinary Plaintiffs in Passport Marker Dispute

President Donald Trump speaks during a news conference with Elon Musk in…

Tragic Discovery: 13-Year-Old’s Ravine Death Linked to Dog Attack, Mother Reveals

Tragedy struck when a young Kansas teenager, just 13 years old, was…

Chilling Confrontation: Man Taunts Grieving Widow After Fatal Shooting During Dog Walk

Left inset: Todd Stalcup (Hall County Sheriff’s Office). Right inset: Terry Loden…

Tragic Dental Procedure Turns Fatal: Family Secures Settlement After Patient’s Brain Injury

Inset: Derek Swanson (Facebook). Background: Scottsdale Facial and Oral Surgery in Arizona,…

Mother Accused of Overdosing 2-Year-Old with Melatonin Gummies for Distraction While Texting Boyfriend

Background: A section of Memory Lane Mobile Home Park in Sturgis, Michigan,…

Tragic Loss: ‘Lion King’ Actress Imani Dia Smith Fatally Stabbed

In a tragic turn of events, Imani Dia Smith, a former child…

Gainesville Resident Faces Multiple Charges: Accused of Assault, Drug Possession, and Firearm Offenses

By Staff Writer GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Marquis Johnathan Tippins, aged 29, was…

Mother Expresses Desire to Abandon Daughter for Boyfriend, Authorities Report After Teen’s Tragic Death

Left: Vangie Averhart (Wayne County Jail via WDIV). Right: Kylee Clark (Edward…

College Student Targeted by Mob After Reporting Burglary; Father’s Intervention Turns Deadly

Background: Jacob Bard appears in a Franklin County, Kentucky, court in December…

Judge Found Guilty of Obstructing ICE Seeks New Trial Over Alleged Jury Instruction Errors, Lawyer Claims

Background: Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan in court (WTMJ/YouTube). Inset: Surveillance video…

SNL Writer’s Urgent Plea: Help Find Missing Sister Amid Safety Concerns

Authorities in California are actively searching for a 38-year-old woman who has…