Former Broadway ‘Lion King’ Star Imani Dia Smith Stabbed to Death at 26 by Boyfriend in New Jersey

The Broadway community and fans of The Lion King across the world are in mourning following the tragic death of Imani Dia Smith, the former child actress who portrayed Young Nala in the iconic Broadway production between 2013 and 2014.

Smith was reportedly stabbed to death on December 24, 2025, at her home in Union City, New Jersey, in a shocking case of alleged intimate partner violence that has reignited conversations about domestic abuse and early intervention.

According to authorities, the 26-year-old performer was attacked inside her residence by her boyfriend, Jordan Jackson-Small, aged 35.

Emergency responders were called to the scene after reports of a violent domestic disturbance, but Smith was pronounced dead from multiple stab wounds.

Jackson-Small was arrested shortly after and has since been charged with murder, with investigations ongoing as prosecutors prepare the case.

News of Smith’s death spread rapidly on social media, amplified by a haunting split image that has gone viral. One side shows Smith smiling confidently in a poolside selfie, full of life and promise, while the other features an illustrated image of Young Nala in tears, a stark reminder of the childhood role that endeared her to millions.

For many fans, the contrast was devastating, collapsing joyful memories of Broadway magic into the brutal reality of her untimely death.

Imani Dia Smith rose to prominence at a young age after being cast as Young Nala in The Lion King, one of Broadway’s longest-running and most beloved productions.

Her performance during the 2013–2014 run left a lasting impression on audiences, particularly children who saw themselves reflected in her confidence, talent, and warmth on stage. Even years after leaving the production, fans continued to credit her portrayal with shaping their early love for theatre and Disney’s timeless story.

In the hours following confirmation of her death, tributes poured in from theatre lovers, former cast members, and social media users who remembered her as a symbol of innocence, creativity, and promise. Many expressed heartbreak that someone who brought joy to so many lives could meet such a violent end behind closed doors.

Beyond grief, the tragedy has also sparked renewed attention on the pervasive issue of intimate partner violence. Replies and reactions to the viral posts referencing Smith’s death repeatedly highlighted how common such cases remain, even among young, talented, and outwardly successful women. Data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that approximately one in four women in the United States experiences severe intimate partner violence in her lifetime, a statistic many commenters cited as evidence of a silent crisis that cuts across class, profession, and fame.

Advocates and users alike called for stronger awareness, earlier intervention, and more robust support systems for individuals in potentially abusive relationships. Some emphasized the need to take warning signs seriously, while others urged friends, families, and communities to create safer spaces where victims can seek help without fear or stigma.

As investigations continue, the focus remains on honoring Imani Dia Smith’s life rather than allowing her legacy to be defined solely by her death. To many, she will always be remembered as the bright, fearless Young Nala who stepped onto a Broadway stage and helped bring The Lion King to life for a new generation.

Her death, occurring just days before Christmas, has cast a long shadow over what should have been a season of celebration. Instead, it stands as a painful reminder of the human cost of domestic violence and the urgent need for collective action to prevent similar tragedies. For fans, friends, and advocates, Imani’s story is not just one of loss, but also a call to protect lives before it is too late.