The Lion King has lived many lives over the years — first as the original animated film, then as a global Broadway phenomenon, and later as a live-action remake. Along the way, it launched the careers of countless young performers. One of them was Imani Smith.
According to the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, Smith died in Edison, New Jersey, after being stabbed on Sunday, December 21. Authorities identified her as 26 years old, though theater outlets have reported her age as 25.
Imani Dia Smith, former Broadway child actress best known for her role as Young Nala in Disney’s The Lion King, has sadly passed away at the age of 25. pic.twitter.com/GwtO1PEsoX
— The DisInsider (@TheDisInsider) December 24, 2025Prosecutors said police were called to a home on Grove Avenue around 9:18 a.m. after receiving a 911 report of a stabbing. When officers arrived, Smith was found with multiple stab wounds and was transported to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, where she was later pronounced dead. Officials said the incident “was not random” and that Smith and the suspect knew each other.
On Tuesday, December 23, authorities announced the arrest of 35-year-old Jordan D. Jackson-Small. According to the official press release, he has been charged with “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.” He is currently being held pending a pre-trial detention hearing. Prosecutors emphasized that the charges are allegations and that Jackson-Small is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
? SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox ?
In the days following her death, Smith’s family shared a statement through a GoFundMe organized by her aunt, Kira Helper. In the post, the family described her death as “senseless” and confirmed she leaves behind a 3-year-old son, along with her parents, siblings, and extended family.
(Please donate to the family if you can ??❤️?) t.co/rCK7iTWewS
— Ashley D. (@sports_chick87) December 24, 2025“Imani had her whole life ahead of her,” the statement reads. “She was a vivacious, loving and fiercely talented person. A true triple-threat performer.” The family also reflected on her time on Broadway, writing that playing Young Nala in The Lion King was an experience that reflected “the joy, creativity, and light she put into the world.”
According to the fundraiser, the family is now focused on supporting Smith’s parents, Monique Rance-Helper and Rawni Helper, as they grieve their daughter while also stepping in to care for her young son and support their other children. The GoFundMe notes that the funds will help cover funeral and memorial expenses, trauma therapy for the family, and ongoing care for Smith’s son, among other costs tied to the tragedy.
“Our hope,” the family wrote, “is that these funds will give Imani’s parents the ability to focus on what matters most: grieving their daughter, caring for their grandson, and helping their children begin to heal — without the added fear of financial instability.”
Hence then, the article about lion king child star imani smith dies at 26 was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( ‘Lion King’ Child Star Imani Smith Dies at 26 )
Also on site :
- Tornado warning issued, and quickly cancelled, over Alhambra
- Governor Hochul: Annual statewide donation drive is complete
- Skier dies in collision with tree at Colorado’s Aspen Mountain, resort officials confirm