Imani Dia Smith
Former Broadway child star Imani Dia Smith, best known for playing Young Nala in The Lion King, has died after a fatal stabbing in New Jersey in the United States.
Authorities say Smith was discovered with stab wounds on 21 December after police responded to a 911 call.
She was rushed to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead, at 26
Smith is survived by her three-year-old son, her parents Monique Rance-Helper and Rawni Helper, two siblings, and extended family members.
In the wake of her death, her family launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover funeral costs and provide support services, including therapy for her young son, siblings, and parents.
The fundraiser has since raised more than $69,000 toward its $75,000 goal.
According to a statement released by her family, Smith was allegedly killed by her boyfriend, identified as 35-year-old Jordan D. Jackson-Small.
He has been arrested and is facing multiple charges, including first-degree murder.
New Jersey police confirmed that the incident was not random, stating: “Smith and Jackson-Small knew each other prior to the incident, thus it was not a random act of violence.”
Police further revealed that Jackson-Small was taken into custody without incident and 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.
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