Imani Dia Smith, a former child actress best known for portraying Young Nala in Disney’s ‘The Lion King‘, has died at the age of 26.

More Details Behind Lion King Child Star Imani Smith’s Death

Smith, 26, a mother and former child star who appeared in the Broadway production of The Lion King, was found with multiple stab wounds on the morning of December 21. First responders transported her to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

Authorities arrested 35-year-old Jordan Jackson-Small shortly after the incident. Prosecutors confirmed that Smith and Jackson-Small knew each other and stated that the killing was not a random act of violence.

According to information shared on Smith’s GoFundMe page, Jackson-Small was her boyfriend at the time of her death. 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 firearm. He is currently being held at the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Center pending a pre-trial detention hearing.

Family Mourns ‘Vivacious, Loving & Fiercly Talented Person’

Smith’s family is mourning what they described as an “unimaginable” loss while caring for the three-year-old son she leaves behind. A GoFundMe campaign established by the family has raised more than $61,000. The funds are designated for funeral expenses, crime-scene cleanup, trauma therapy, time off work, and legal and administrative costs.

In a tribute shared through the fundraiser, Smith’s family described her as “vivacious, loving, and fiercely talented.” They highlighted her role as Young Nala in The Lion King, calling her a true triple-threat performer whose joy, creativity, and light left a lasting impact on everyone around her.

The fundraiser states that its goal is to allow Smith’s parents and loved ones to grieve and support their family without the added burden of financial stress.