"Imani had her whole life ahead of her. She was a vivacious, loving and fiercely talented person," Smith's aunt, Kira Helper, ...

Smith, 26, was fatally stabbed in Edison, New Jersey, on December 21, authorities said.

Imani Smith, who played Young Nala in Disney's The Lion King on Broadway from 2011-2012, died after being stabbed by her boyfriend, according to prosecutors.

Imani Smith, who starred in "The Lion King" on Broadway, died at 25. Her boyfriend has been charged with murder.

Authorities say the former Broadway performer died after a stabbing in New Jersey. A suspect has since been charged.

Authorities have identified the 56-year-old who was found dead behind a New London store on Christmas Eve. Kelly Anne Lewis, formerly of Waterbury, was found at 393 Williams St. around 9:15 a.m.