'The Lion King' actress, Imani Dia Smith, killed in New Jersey, son's father in custody

Imani Dia Smith/GoFundMe

Actress Imani Dia Smith, who starred in The Lion King on Broadway, was a homicide victim in New Jersey this week. She was 26. The actress played the character of young Nala from September 2011-2012.

A young Imani/GoFundMe

Jordan D. Jackson-Small, 35, her boyfriend, has been arrested for her death. The two share a child. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Jackson-Small 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 tied to her death. He's reportedly in custody at Middlesex County Adult Corrections Center.

The actress's family has set up a GoFundMe page for her. Her aunt, Kira Helper, gave the following statement via the GoFundMe account: “Imani had her whole life ahead of her. She was a vivacious, loving and fiercely talented person,” Helper wrote. “A true triple-threat performer, she most notably played the role of Young Nala on Broadway in Disney’s Lion King — an experience that reflected the joy, creativity, and light she put into the world.”

GoFundMe

Her aunt's message via GoFundMe states: "Our hope 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," the page reads.

Her aunt, Helper, updated the GoFundMe by thanking the supporters, stating, "Thank you so much to every single one of you who has donated, shared Imani's story, and also taken the time to share with us how Imani impacted your lives. Funeral arrangements have been made and we are in the process now of getting funds from this fundraiser to Rawni and Monique to help cover those costs." 

She continued, "They have asked me to send their sincere gratitude. This week has been extremely difficult but the kindness of our community has made things just a little bit easier. Being able to give them this gift- the gift of knowing they don't have to go through this nightmare alone; that they don't have to grieve through this tragedy while putting themselves into debt; that they will be able to have a smoother transition into raising their young grandchild- is an honor beyond words."

This story will be updated.

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