Body Recovered in Georgia Pond Believed to Be Lil Jon’s Missing Son

The search for Lil Jon’s missing son, Nathan Smith, appears to have ended in tragedy after authorities recovered a body from a pond in Georgia that is believed to be the 27-year-old musician, also known as DJ Young Slade.

Police announced Friday that divers with the Cherokee County Fire Department located and recovered a body from a pond in Mayfield Park at approximately 11:53 a.m. “The individual is believed to be Nathan Smith, pending official confirmation by the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office,” the Milton Police Department said in a statement. Smith had been reported missing earlier in the week.

Lil Jon confirmed the devastating news in a statement shared on social media, expressing profound grief over the loss. “I am extremely heartbroken for the tragic loss of our son, Nathan Smith,” he wrote. “His mother, Nicole Smith, and I are devastated.” The rapper described his son as “the kindest human being you would ever meet,” adding that Nathan was “immensely caring, thoughtful, polite, passionate, and warmhearted.” He emphasized that Smith loved his family and friends deeply and was cherished by those closest to him.

In the statement, Lil Jon also reflected on Nathan’s musical talent and academic accomplishments. Smith was a music producer, artist, and engineer who graduated from New York University. “We loved Nathan with all of our hearts and are incredibly proud of him,” the statement continued. “He was loved and appreciated, and in our last times together, we’re comforted in knowing that we expressed that very sentiment to him.” The statement was signed by both Lil Jon and Nathan’s mother.

Authorities said there is currently no evidence to suggest Smith was the victim of a crime. “Based on the investigation to date, there is no indication of foul play,” the Milton Police Department stated. However, officials noted that the case remains open while investigators await the official cause and manner of death from the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office. “No further details will be released until all investigative leads have been thoroughly examined,” police added.

Milton is an affluent suburb located roughly 30 miles north of Atlanta. When police issued a missing person advisory earlier in the week, they said Smith was last seen around 6 a.m. on Tuesday. According to the alert, Smith “ran out of his house and has been missing since,” left on foot without a phone, and was believed to be disoriented. Family and friends were described as being deeply concerned for his safety at the time.

Police have not disclosed what led investigators to search the pond in Mayfield Park, which is located near the residence where Smith was last seen. Lil Jon, however, expressed gratitude toward law enforcement for their efforts, thanking several officers by name and acknowledging the assistance of a K9 unit involved in the search.

News of Smith’s death prompted an outpouring of condolences from fellow artists and public figures. Big Boi shared a brief message of sympathy accompanied by a prayer emoji, while actress Taraji P. Henson wrote, “OMG. I AM SO SORRY Jon and mother. Sending you and your family so much love.”

The confirmation from the medical examiner is pending.