Lil Jon’s Son Nathan Smith Found Dead at 27 After Days Long Search in Georgia

Authorities say no indication of foul play as investigation remains open Rapper and producer Lil Jon is mourning the death of his son, Nathan Smith, who was found dead near his home in Milton, Georgia, following a days long search by local authorities. Smith, 27, was reported missing earlier this week, prompting an extensive multi agency investigation that ended with the recovery of a body from a nearby pond on February 6.

Nathan Smith, also known professionally as DJ Young Slade, was last seen on the morning of February 3 at his residence in Milton. According to the Milton Police Department, officers responded to a report of a missing adult after Smith left his home under what authorities described as unusual circumstances and could not be located.

Following the initial missing person report, Milton police coordinated with multiple partner agencies to conduct an intensive search in and around the neighborhood. After several days without locating Smith, search teams expanded their efforts to Mayfield Park, a public area near his residence.

On February 6 at approximately 11:53 am, divers with the Cherokee County Fire Department recovered a body from a pond in the park. Police said the body is believed to be Nathan Smith, pending official confirmation from the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office.

In a statement shared on Facebook, the Milton Police Department said that based on the investigation to date, there is no indication of foul play. However, officials emphasized that the case remains open and active as investigators await final medical examiner findings.

Authorities have not released a confirmed cause of death. Police reiterated that while there is currently no evidence suggesting criminal involvement, the Criminal Investigations Division will continue to review all aspects of the case.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the Smith family during this difficult time,” the department said. Local media reports previously noted that Smith was seen running from his home on the morning he disappeared, though police have not expanded on those details in official statements.

Lil Jon, whose real name is Jonathan H. Smith, shared a statement expressing profound grief over the loss of his son. Speaking to multiple outlets, including E News and TMZ, the rapper said he and Smith’s mother, Nicole Smith, are devastated.

“Nathan was the kindest human being you would ever meet,” Lil Jon said. “He was immensely caring, thoughtful, polite, passionate, and warmhearted. He loved his family and the friends in his life to the fullest.”

The artist also highlighted his son’s accomplishments, noting that Smith was a graduate of New York University and had built a career as a music producer, artist and engineer. “We loved Nathan with all of our hearts and are incredibly proud of him,” the statement added. “He was loved and appreciated, and in our last times together, we’re comforted in knowing that we expressed that very sentiment to him.”

While the recovery has brought an end to the search, authorities stress that the investigation is not closed. Final identification and autopsy results from the medical examiner are expected to provide additional clarity in the coming days.

As tributes continue to pour in from the music community and fans, the focus remains on honoring the life of a young artist remembered by his family as compassionate, talented and deeply loved.