Tributes continue to pour in for Imani Dia Smith, who played Young Nala in Broadway’s The Lion King.
The 25-year-old was stabbed to death on 21 December 2021 in New Jersey, in the United States.
According to her family statement, Smith was killed by her boyfriend, 35-year-old Jordan D. Jackson-Small.
He has since been arrested and charged with murder.
New Jersey police said the killing was not a random act of violence.
“Smith and Jackson-Small knew each other prior to the incident, thus it was not a random act of violence,” police said in a statement.
Police said Jackson-Small was arrested without incident and faces multiple charges.
“Jackson-Small was arrested without incident and 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,” the statement said.
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GoFundMe launched to support Smith family
Following her death, Smith’s family launched a GoFundMe campaign to assist with burial costs and other expenses, including therapy for her son, siblings, and parents.
The campaign has raised more than $69,000 (about R1.15 million) of its $75,000 (about R1.2 million) target.
“Imani had her whole life ahead of her. She was a vivacious, loving and fiercely talented person,” the family said on the fundraising page.
“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.”
Smith is survived by her three-year-old son, her parents, two younger siblings, and extended family members.
Tributes have been pouring in on social media for Smith.
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