Former The Lion King Child Star Dia Smith Dies At 26 Following Violent Incident In New Jersey

Dia Smith, a former child actor who appeared in the Broadway production of The Lion King, has died at the age of 26 following a violent incident in New Jersey just days before Christmas.

According to reports and a statement shared by Smith’s family, the actress suffered fatal stab wounds during an alleged domestic incident on the morning of December 21. Police responded to a New Jersey residence at approximately 9.18am following reports of a stabbing and found Smith critically injured. She was transported to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, where she later died from her injuries.

Authorities allege that Smith was attacked by her boyfriend, 35 year old Jordan D. Jackson Small of New Jersey, in the presence of her three year old son. Jackson Small was arrested 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. He is currently being held at the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Center. Investigators have not disclosed what led to the argument that turned fatal.

Smith was best known to theatre audiences for playing Young Nala in the Broadway production of The Lion King from 2011 to 2012, a role she performed as a child. Her casting was confirmed by Playbill, which also noted her close family ties to the theatre industry.

Her mother, Monique Rance Helper, is an established hairstylist and wig designer who has worked extensively in theatre and film. Her credits include The Lion King on Broadway, as well as the stage productions Eclipsed, Once On This Island, and The Lightning Thief. She has also worked on screen projects including In The Heights and the FX television series POSE.

In a GoFundMe campaign created by Smith’s aunt, the family described her as a vibrant and gifted performer with immense promise. The statement said that Smith, also known to family as Imani, was a loving and fiercely talented triple threat who brought joy and creativity to everything she did, particularly during her time on Broadway.

The fundraising campaign aims to raise seventy five thousand dollars to assist with funeral expenses, crime scene cleanup at Smith’s home, trauma therapy for her young son and immediate family, and ongoing care for her dog, Kuro.

Dia Smith is survived by her three year old son, her parents, two younger siblings, and an extended network of family, friends, and members of the theatre community who have expressed shock and grief at her death.

Her passing has prompted renewed conversations within the performing arts community about domestic violence, safety, and support for survivors and families affected by such tragedies.