Imani Dia Smith, an ex-child star on Broadway who starred in The Lion King, has died at age 25. As reported by PEOPLE, Smith sustained stab wounds in her residence in Edison, New Jersey, on Sunday, Dec. 21, and was rushed to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital before being declared dead. A GoFundMe was set up to help with funeral, legal, and administrative costs as well as trauma therapy for her family. Smith played young Nala in Disney's The Lion King on Broadway from 2011 and 2012. Her GoFundMe page stated it was "an experience that reflected the joy, creativity, and light she put into the world."

Source: Philippine Star December 25, 2025 07:29 UTC