Tragedy struck just before Christmas as former child actress Imani Dia Smith lost her life in a stabbing incident.

Smith, known for her portrayal of young Nala in Broadway’s The Lion King between 2011 and 2012, was found in an Edison, New Jersey residence on the morning of December 21. Responding to a 911 call about a stabbing, authorities confirmed her death through the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office.

The 26-year-old mother of a three-year-old boy was quickly transported to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries.

In connection with the fatal incident, law enforcement apprehended Jordan D. Jackson-Small without resistance. Police have not specified the nature of Smith’s relationship with Jackson-Small but stated that they were acquainted, indicating the incident was not a random act of violence.

Jackson-Small faces serious accusations, including first-degree murder, second-degree child endangerment, third-degree weapon possession for an unlawful purpose, and fourth-degree unlawful weapon possession, as per prosecutors.

In light of this devastating event, Smith’s aunt, Kira Helper, has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to support Smith’s young son, her parents Monique Rance-Helper and Rawni Helper, along with her siblings during this difficult time.

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

Kira described her niece as a “true triple-threat performer” who thrived on stage while playing Young Nala on Broadway, an experience she said “reflected the joy, creativity and light she put into the world.” 

The fundraiser—which, at publishing time, has raised more than $65,000—will be used to pay for funeral costs, crime scene clean-up, trauma therapy for Smith’s loved ones and legal costs. 

Kira explained, “In addition to their grief, Monique and Rawni are trying to hold their family together—comforting their children, navigating the sudden responsibility to raise their grandson, and finding a way forward while their world has been shattered.”

Jackson-Small is currently being held at the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Center as he awaits a pre-trial detention hearing. It’s unclear whether he has retained an attorney.