Sat Dec 27 13:30:00 UTC 2025: ## Former ‘Lion King’ Broadway Star Imani Dia Smith Dies at 25, Allegedly Killed by Boyfriend
New York, NY – Imani Dia Smith, who starred as Young Nala in Broadway’s long-running production of “The Lion King” from 2011 to 2012, has tragically died at the age of 25. Smith was allegedly killed by her boyfriend, Jordan D. Jackson-Small, who has been charged with murder, endangering the welfare of a child, and weapons offenses.
Smith’s mother, Monique Rance-Helper, is a renowned hair stylist who has worked on numerous Broadway productions, including “The Lion King,” “Eclipsed,” and “Once On This Island,” as well as on the film adaptation of “In the Heights” and the FX series “POSE.”
Smith is survived by her three-year-old son, her parents, and her two younger siblings. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support Smith’s family as they navigate funeral expenses, childcare for her son, and the upcoming legal proceedings. Donations will also help support her two siblings. More information can be found at GoFundMe.com.
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