A former Broadway child performer has died, prompting an ongoing investigation in New Jersey and an outpouring of grief from the theater community and beyond. Imani Dia Smith, a 25-year-old actress who once appeared on Broadway as a child, was found unresponsive at a residence in Edison, New Jersey, on Sunday. Authorities later confirmed her passing following emergency medical efforts. The Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office and the Edison Police Department stated that first responders were called to the home and that Smith was transported to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced deceased. Officials have not released extensive details as the investigation remains active, but they confirmed that the incident is being treated as a criminal matter.
According to a report by TMZ, Smith’s boyfriend, Jordan D. Jackson-Small, has been taken into custody and formally charged in connection with her death. Prosecutors announced that the 35-year-old suspect faces multiple charges, including first-degree murder, along with additional offenses related to child welfare and weapon possession. Authorities emphasized that the charges are allegations at this stage and that the legal process is ongoing. Representatives for the prosecutor’s office and local law enforcement have declined to comment further while the case proceeds through the court system.
Smith was best known for her work as a child performer in Broadway’s long-running production of The Lion King, where she played the role of Young Nala from 2011 to 2012, according to Playbill. Her time on stage was remembered fondly by fans and colleagues who noted her talent, energy, and early promise in the performing arts. Beyond her career, Smith was also a mother to a three-year-old son, a role that family members say was central to her life. Tributes shared online describe her as a loving parent, a dedicated artist, and a person who brought warmth and creativity to those around her.
In the days following her passing, a fundraiser was launched on GoFundMe to support Smith’s family as they navigate an unexpected and deeply difficult period. Organized by relatives, the campaign states that the funds will assist with memorial arrangements, counseling services for family members, legal and administrative costs, and long-term care for Smith’s young son. The page also highlights that her parents are now stepping in as primary caregivers while coping with their own grief. Messages of support continue to grow, reflecting the impact Smith had not only as a performer, but as a daughter, sister, mother, and friend whose life was cut short far too soon.
