Body of 27-year-old DJ Young Slade, son of Lil Jon, found in pond days after he was reported missing

Police recovered a body, which they believe to be Nathan Smith, the 27-year-old son of rapper Lil Jon, from a pond yesterday (Friday January 6).

The Milton Police Department issued a statement on social media shortly after the body was recovered to say they had found Smith, also known as DJ Young Slade, in the same area he had been reported missing from, in Georgia.

It read: "After being unable to locate Mr Smith during that time, teams expanded the search to include a pond in Mayfield Park near Smith’s Milton residence. On February 6, 2026, at approximately 11.53am, divers with the Cherokee County Fire Department located and recovered a body from the pond. The individual is believed to be Nathan Smith, pending official confirmation by the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office."

In a prior statement, the police department wrote that Smith went missing three days prior, on Tuesday (February 3), at about 6am. Officers found that he "had left his residence under unusual circumstances" and a search for him began.

A statement released at the time said: “[The] subject ran out of his house and has been missing since. Subject left on foot and does not possess a phone. He may be disoriented and in need of assistance. Family and friends are concerned for his safety.

According to the most recent statement, there is "no indication of foul play" but the investigation continues to be “open and active."

The statement concluded: "No further details will be released until the official cause and manner of death are determined by the Fulton County Medical Examiner and all investigative leads have been thoroughly examined.

"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."

Shortly after the official police announcement, Lil Jon, real name Jonathan Smith, released his own statement via People.

He wrote about his devastation, and also paid tribute to his ‘kind’ late son. "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."

The statement ended: "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 added his thanks to everyone who had helped to search for his son, and also the police officers involved in the investigation.

In a further statement shared with People, Lil Jon's rep said Smith’s family are now asking for privacy.

Lil Jon, aged 53, shares Nathan with estranged wife Nicole Smith. The couple married in 2004 and then announced their "amicable split" two decades later, in February 2024. In the announcement, they revealed they had actually broken up nearly two years prior.

Nathan was a DJ and musician who performs under the name DJ Young Slade or Slade. He released his latest single, "Feels," in March 2025.

Last year, Nathan appeared on MTV's Family Legacy and opened up about growing up with Lil Jon as a father in an interview with The Quintessential Gentleman.

"It’s dope to appreciate my dad, show respect, and just look at all the things he’s done, and it’s nice to get the torch passed down and do my own thing," Nathan said at the time. "Because it’s like it comes from him, but also I’m definitely taking it and making it my own."