Key Takeaways
- DJ Young Slade, whose real name was Nathan Smith, was a rising artist in Atlanta’s music scene.
- Lil Jon released a statement reflecting on his son’s life and creative journey.
- Police report no indication of foul play in the case, and the investigation is ongoing.
Atlanta is reeling after divers recovered a body believed to be Nathan Smith, the 27-year-old son of rapper Lil Jon, from a pond in Milton, Georgia. The discovery brings a somber end to a multi-day search that captivated the city and sparked widespread concern.
The Milton Police Department announced on Friday, February 6, 2026, that divers located the body in a pond at Mayfield Park. Nathan had been reported missing earlier in the week, prompting a public missing person alert and an intensive search effort.
Shortly after the news broke, Lil Jon shared a heartfelt statement, expressing his grief and honoring his son’s life. “I am extremely heartbroken for the tragic loss of our son, Nathan Smith. His mother and I are devastated,” he said. “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. He was an amazingly talented young man; a music producer, an artist and engineer, and graduate of NYU.”
He continued, “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.” Lil Jon also expressed gratitude to law enforcement, first responders, and volunteers for their efforts in the search.
How Nathan Smith’s Search Unfolded
According to a statement shared by the Milton Police Department on Facebook, officers responded to a missing adult report on Tuesday, February 3, 2026. “On the morning of Feb. 3, 2026, Milton Police Department officers responded to a report of a missing adult in the area of Baldwin Drive in Milton, Georgia,” the statement read. “Responding officers determined that a Milton resident, Nathan Smith, had left his residence under unusual circumstances and could not be located.”
Authorities stated that Nathan was last seen around 6 a.m., leaving on foot without a phone. A missing person flyer was circulated that same day as family, friends, and police initiated a search. After days without success, police expanded the search area. “On Feb. 6, 2026, at approximately 11:53 a.m., divers with the Cherokee County Fire Department located and recovered a body from the pond,” the statement said. “The individual is believed to be Nathan Smith, pending official confirmation by the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office.” Police emphasized that there is “no indication of foul play” at this time and that the case remains active.
Nathan, who performed as DJ Young Slade or Slade, was forging his own path in the music industry. He released the single “Feels” in March 2025 and previously appeared on “Family Legacy,” where he discussed navigating life as Lil Jon’s son while establishing his own identity.
Lil Jon, born Jonathan Smith, shares Nathan with his estranged wife, Nicole Smith. The two married in 2004 and announced an amicable split in 2024 after several years apart. As the family mourns, both Lil Jon and police have requested privacy while remembering Nathan as a creative and compassionate young man.
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