Former 'Lion King' child star Imani Smith dies at 25

Imani Dia Smith, an ex-child star on Broadway who starred in The Lion King, has died at age 25. Her boyfriend has been charged with murder.

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.

Authorities who responded to an emergency call arrested her boyfriend, Jordan D. Jackson-Small, 35, who is now facing charges of murder, unlawful possession of a weapon, and endangering the welfare of a child.

A GoFundMe was set up to help with funeral, legal, and administrative costs as well as trauma therapy for her family.

"Imani had her whole life ahead of her. She was a vivacious, loving, and fiercely talented person," the description box read.

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."

She's survived by her son, her parents, and her two younger siblings.