Imani Dia Smith, the woman who starred as young Nala in Broadway’s The Lion King as a child, was stabbed and killed this past weekend.
Edison, New Jersey, police officers were called to a home on Sunday morning in response to a report of a stabbing and discovered the 26-year-old.
According to NBC News, Smith was taken to a hospital where she was later pronounced dead.
“Imani had her whole life ahead of her,” her aunt wrote. “She was a vivacious, loving and fiercely talented person.”
It is alleged that the Broadway star was killed by her boyfriend and the father of her child, who was subsequently arrested by police.
People reports that 35-year-old Jordan D. Jackson-Small was charged with first-degree murder, second-degree endangering the welfare of a child.
He was also charged with third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and fourth-degree unlawful possession of a weapon, prosecutors said.
Smith portrayed Young Nala in Broadway’s The Lion King from 2011 to 2012.
She is survived by her 3-year-old son, her parents, Monique Rance-Helper and Rawni Helper, and her two siblings, according to E! Online.
BET reports that there is a GoFundMe to cover funeral costs, legal needs, and support for Smith’s son.