Who was Nathan Smith? Lil Jon’s son found dead in pond after three-day search

Three days after rapper Lil Jon’s 27-year-old son, Nathan Smith, was reported missing, authorities confirmed that a body believed to be the young musician was recovered from a pond near his home on Friday. Police said no foul play is suspected, though the investigation remains open pending autopsy results. 

Divers with the Cherokee County Fire Department located the body late Friday morning, bringing a tragic end to an intensive multi-agency search that began after Smith fled his residence earlier in the week. His disappearance prompted urgent appeals from family, friends and law enforcement.

Lil Jon and Smith’s mother, Nicole Smith, said they were “heartbroken” as they confirmed their son’s death, describing him as a gifted artist, a loving family member and a cherished part of Atlanta’s music community.

Body found in pond near Milton home

The Milton Police Department announced the development in a Facebook update, noting that the body was recovered at around 11:53 am from a pond in Mayfield Park, close to Smith’s residence.

“On February 6, 2026, at approximately 11:53 am, divers with the Cherokee County Fire Department located and recovered a body from the pond,” the department said. “The individual is believed to be Nathan Smith, pending official confirmation by the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office.”

Police added that while early findings do not indicate foul play, the case will remain open until the medical examiner determines the official cause and manner of death.

Family statements

In a statement shared, Lil Jon expressed profound grief over his son’s death.

“I am extremely heartbroken for the tragic loss of our son, Nathan Smith. His mother [Nicole Smith] and I are devastated,” he wrote. Calling Nathan “amazingly talented” and “the kindest human being you would ever meet,” the artist thanked authorities, volunteers and fans for their support during the search.

“We loved Nathan with all of our hearts and are incredibly proud of him,” the statement added.

Lil Jon also extended gratitude to the numerous police and fire departments involved in the multi-day effort to locate his son.

Who was Nathan Smith?

Nathan’s artistic trajectory was shaped in part by his father’s prominent role in American hip-hop. Lil Jon, a Grammy-winning producer and performer known for hits such as 'Yeah!' and 'Turn Down for What', was one of the leading architects of the 2000s crunk movement and remains an influential figure in popular music.

Nathan Smith, known professionally as DJ Young Slade, was a rising figure within the Atlanta music scene. A music producer, artist and engineer, he had accumulated a solid following on platforms like SoundCloud and had been photographed alongside prominent artists including Post Malone, Killer Mike, Big Boi, Fergie, Too $hort and E-40.

Smith was a graduate of New York University and the only child of Lil Jon and Nicole Smith, who were married for 18 years before separating in 2022. More recently, Lil Jon welcomed a daughter, Nahara, with partner Jamila Sozahdah.

Like his father, Smith had a strong musical pedigree and was often seen collaborating or appearing with him, including on an episode of ‘Family Feud’ in 2025.

Timeline from disappearance

Smith was first reported missing on Tuesday evening. Police said he “ran out of his house and has been missing since,” noting that he left without a phone and may have been disoriented.

Initial search efforts focused on the area surrounding his home. When those attempts proved unsuccessful, authorities extended their operation to include the nearby pond where his body was ultimately found.

Milton police said they plan to release additional details only after the Fulton County Medical Examiner completes its evaluation.