Tragedy Strikes Broadway: Young 'Lion King' Star Imani Smith Fatally Stabbed, Boyfriend Charged with Murder

A devastating blow has hit the Broadway community with the tragic death of Imani Smith, a 26-year-old actress who played Young Nala in the iconic musical 'The Lion King' from 2011-2012. Smith was found with stab wounds after police responded to a 911 call in Edison, New Jersey, and was pronounced dead at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. According to the New Jersey County Prosecutor's Office, Smith's alleged boyfriend, Jordan D. Jackson-Small, has been charged with first-degree murder and other related crimes. Jackson-Small was arrested without incident and is currently being held at the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Centre. The investigation revealed that Smith and Jackson-Small were in a relationship prior to the incident. Smith leaves behind a three-year-old son, her parents, and two younger siblings. A GoFundMe page has been set up to support Smith's family, which has raised over $58,000 in donations. The community is mourning the loss of this talented young actress, and her family is facing an unimaginable grief as they step in to care for their young grandson and support their other children.