Smith, who appeared as Young Nala in the Broadway production of The Lion King, was found critically injured inside her home in Edison, New Jersey, on the morning of Dec. 21. Authorities responded to a report of a stabbing and discovered Smith suffering from multiple stab wounds. She was rushed to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, where she was later pronounced dead.
Her boyfriend, 35-year-old Jordan D. Jackson-Small, was taken into custody and now faces several charges, including first-degree murder, second-degree endangering the welfare of a child, and multiple weapons-related offenses. Prosecutors stated that early findings suggest the incident was not random. Jackson-Small is currently being held at the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Center while awaiting a pretrial detention hearing.
Smith is survived by her 3-year-old son, along with her parents, two younger siblings, and a large circle of relatives, friends, and community members. Her aunt, Kira Helper, launched a GoFundMe campaign to support the family during this devastating period. While family members say Smith was 25, official records list her as 26.In a message on the fundraising page, Helper described Smith as vibrant, loving, and exceptionally talented, emphasizing that she had her entire future ahead of her. The fundraiser is intended to assist Smith’s parents as they grieve their daughter while preparing to care for her young son and support their other children. Funds will also help cover funeral expenses, therapy costs, legal and administrative needs, and care for Smith’s dog.
As of midweek, the campaign had raised more than $47,000 toward its $50,000 goal, with the family expressing gratitude for donations, shared support, and prayers during this heartbreaking time.
