Imani Dia Smith: Was She Married? Family & Son Details

What We Know About Imani Dia Smith’s Relationship, Child, and Family

Questions have surfaced online following the tragic death of Imani Dia Smith, with many wondering whether she was married and if her boyfriend was the father of her young child.

Imani Dia Smith, a former Broadway child actress, passed away on December 21, 2025, at just 25 years old. Her death has shocked fans, friends, and members of the theatre community, especially as authorities investigate the case as an act of domestic violence.

How did Imani Dia Smith die?

According to officials, police were called to Imani’s residence in Edison, New Jersey, after receiving reports of a stabbing. When officers arrived, they found her with severe stab wounds. She was rushed to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, where doctors later pronounced her dead.

Following the initial investigation, Imani’s former boyfriend, Jordan D Jackson-Small, was arrested. He has been charged with first-degree murder, along with second-degree endangering the welfare of a child and third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.

Authorities confirmed that Imani and Jordan knew each other prior to the incident, stating that it was not a random act of violence. The investigation remains ongoing, and officials may release more details as the case progresses.

Was Imani Dia Smith married?

There is no public information confirming that Imani Dia Smith was married at the time of her death. Reports also do not clarify whether Jordan D Jackson-Small was the father of her child.

Imani is survived by her 3-year-old son, who was reportedly inside the home when the incident occurred. It is unclear whether the child witnessed the attack. He is currently being cared for by his grandparents.

Meet Imani Dia Smith’s family

Imani came from a creative family deeply connected to Broadway. Her mother, Monique Rance-Helper, is a well-known Broadway hair and wig stylist who worked on major productions such as Pose, In the Heights, and Once on This Island.

Her father, Rawni Helper, has largely remained out of the public eye. Imani also had two younger siblings, though little information about them has been made public.

Following her death, Imani’s aunt, Kira Helper, launched a GoFundMe campaign on behalf of the family to help cover funeral costs, trauma therapy, and legal expenses. The fundraiser’s goal was later increased from $50,000 to $55,000.

More about Imani Dia Smith

Imani Dia Smith was best known for playing Young Nala in Disney’s Broadway production of The Lion King. She performed in the show from September 2011 to September 2012 and was widely praised for her talent in acting, singing, and dancing.

Jordan D Jackson-Small, 35, is a resident of Edison, New Jersey, and is currently being held at the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Center in North Brunswick as the legal process continues.

The loss of Imani Dia Smith has left a lasting impact on the Broadway community and reignited conversations around domestic violence and the importance of support for victims.

Source: bollywoodshaadis