Imani Dia Smith, who played Young Nala in Broadway’s The Lion King, died on Dec. 21 after being fatally stabbed at a residence in New Jersey, police confirmed. A suspect has been charged in the case.

Imani Dia Smith‘s family is navigating the unimaginable this holiday season.

The 26-year-old, who portrayed Young Nala in Broadway’s The Lion King from 2011 to 2012, died on Dec. 21, New Jersey officials confirmed in a press release.

Smith, who was found stabbed by authorities responding to a 911 call, was transported to a nearby hospital and pronounced dead. She is survived by her 3-year-old son, parents Monique Rance-Helper and Rawni Helper, and her two siblings.

Following her death, police announced the arrest of a suspect, 35-year-old Jordan D. Jackson-Small.

Though officials didn’t share the nature of their relationship, the press release noted, “Smith and Jackson-Small knew each other prior to the incident, thus it was not a random act of violence.”

“Jackson-Small was arrested without incident,” authorities confirmed, “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 being held at the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Center pending the results of a pre-trial detention hearing.

As Smith’s loved ones grapple with her devastating death, her aunt Kira Helper set up a GoFundMe in her honor.

Imani Dia SmithGoFundMe

“Imani had her whole life ahead of her,” a message on the fundraiser read. “She was a vivacious, loving and fiercely talented person.”

“A true triple-threat performer,” the note continued, “she most notably played the role of Young Nala on Broadway in Disney’s Lion King—an experience that reflected the joy, creativity, and light she put into the world.”

According to the message, the fundraiser will help support Smith’s parents.

“In addition to their grief, Monique and Rawni are trying to hold their family together,” Smith’s aunt explained, “comforting their children, navigating the sudden responsibility to raise their grandson, and finding a way forward while their world has been shattered.”