The body of Lil Jon’s son, Nathan Smith, who performed as DJ Young Slade and went missing Tuesday night, was recovered on Friday from a pond near his home in Milton, Georgia, according to local police. The rapper’s son was 27 years old.
“I am extremely heartbroken for the tragic loss of our son, Nathan Smith. His mother [Nicole Smith] and I are devastated,” Lil Jon and his ex-wife wrote on social media Friday. “Nathan was the kindest human being you would ever meet. He was immensely caring, thoughtful, polite, passionate, and warmhearted. He loved his family and the friends in his life to the fullest.”
They described Nathan as “amazingly talented” as a music producer, artist, and engineer. Nathan Smith was also a graduate of New York University, his parents shared.
“We loved Nathan with all of our hearts and are incredibly proud of him. 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 parents added. They also thanked the many local authorities and rescuers who helped search for their son.
The Milton Police Department had announced on Tuesday via social media that Nathan Smith had not been seen since he “ran out of his house” at 6 a.m. that day. “Subject left on foot and does not possess a phone. He may be disoriented and in need of assistance,” the statement said. “Family and friends are concerned for his safety.”
On Friday, Milton police said that search teams had expanded their efforts to include a pond in a nearby park after failing to locate Smith elsewhere. Divers with the Cherokee County Fire Department recovered a body from the water shortly before noon local time Friday.
“The individual is believed to be Nathan Smith, pending official confirmation by the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office,” police wrote, adding that there was no indication of foul play. However, the official cause and manner of death are still to be determined.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the Smith family during this difficult time. The department respectfully asks the community and members of the media to honor the family’s request for privacy as they grieve and navigate this tragedy,” the statement concluded.
Lil Jon and Nicole Smith expressed gratitude in their post confirming their son’s death. The two married in 2004 after welcoming Nathan in 1998 but amicably separated in 2022.
“Thank you for all of the prayers and support in trying to locate him over the last several days,” they wrote Friday.
https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2026-02-06/lil-jon-son-dead-nathan-smith-dj-young-slade-missing