The theatre world is in mourning after Imani Dia Smith, known for her role as Young Nala in The Lion King, was found dead in New Jersey with stab wounds, per nbcnews.com.
Officers from Edison Police Department were called to a residential property on Sunday morning following reports of an assault. They discovered Imani Dia Smith, 26, suffering from multiple stab wounds. Although she was rushed to a nearby hospital, she was later pronounced dead.
Ms Smith rose to prominence as a young performer, starring as the young Nala in the Broadway musical between 2011 and 2012. Her family described her as a “vivacious, loving, and fiercely talented person” who had her whole life ahead of her.
She is survived by her three-year-old son, for whom a GoFundMe has already raised over $60,000.
Following an investigation by the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, Jordan D. Jackson-Small, 35, was arrested. While officials stated that the suspect was known to the victim, the GoFundMe page established by Ms Smith’s aunt alleged she was “killed by her boyfriend.”
Jackson-Small has been charged with first-degree murder, second-degree endangering the welfare of a child and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.
The defendant is currently being held at the Middlesex County Adult Corrections Centre awaiting a court hearing. Records indicate that he has not yet retained legal representation.
•Featured image: Imani Dia Smith/GoFundMe
