Lil Jon’s Son Nathan Smith Found Dead in Georgia Pond After 3-Day Search, Family Confirms
DJ Young Slade, 27-Year-Old Music Producer and NYU Graduate, Died After Leaving Home ‘Under Unusual Circumstances’ in Milton, Georgia
MILTON, Ga. — Rapper and producer Lil Jon confirmed Friday that his 27-year-old son, Nathan Smith, has died after the aspiring music producer’s body was recovered from a pond near his suburban Atlanta home, ending a three-day search that gripped the tight-knit community.
Nathan Smith, known professionally as DJ Young Slade, was found by Cherokee County Fire Department divers at approximately 11:53 a.m. Friday in a pond near Mayfield Park in Milton, Georgia—about 30 miles north of Atlanta—according to the Milton Police Department. The Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed Smith’s identity Saturday morning.
“I am extremely heartbroken for the tragic loss of our son, Nathan Smith. His mother, Nicole Smith, and I are devastated,” Lil Jon said in a statement released Friday afternoon. “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.”
Three-Day Search Ends in Tragedy
Missing Person Report Filed Tuesday Morning
The search for Nathan Smith began Tuesday, February 3, 2026, when Milton police received a 911 call around 6 a.m. reporting that Smith had run out of his home on Baldwin Drive “under unusual circumstances,” according to law enforcement officials.
Smith left his residence on foot without his cellphone, police said in a missing person poster circulated on social media Tuesday afternoon. “He may be disoriented and in need of assistance. Family and friends are concerned for his safety,” the initial police statement read.
Milton Police Department immediately launched a search operation, deploying K-9 units and coordinating with multiple agencies across the metro Atlanta area. The search intensified Thursday when law enforcement focused their efforts on the Mayfield Park area, utilizing specialized bloodhounds from the Haralson County Sheriff’s Office.
“We deployed several K-9 units to scour the neighborhood and nearby bodies of water,” a Milton Police spokesperson said Thursday. The specialized bloodhound used in the search had completed 25 successful missing person cases in the past year, according to the Haralson County Sheriff’s Office.
Body Recovered Friday Morning
After being unable to locate Smith through ground searches, authorities expanded operations to include nearby water features. On Friday morning, the Cherokee County Fire Department’s specialized dive team was called to search a pond near Smith’s residence.
FOX 5 Atlanta’s SKYFOX helicopter captured footage of first responders recovering a body from the water around midday Friday. Dozens of emergency personnel were observed at the scene as the dive team worked methodically through the pond area.
“The individual is believed to be Nathan Smith, pending official confirmation by the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office,” Milton Police said in their Friday statement. “Based on the investigation to date, there is no indication of foul play.”
The Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed Smith’s identity Saturday and announced an autopsy is scheduled for Monday, February 9, to determine the official cause and manner of death.
“However, the Milton Police Department Criminal Investigations Division will continue to treat this as an open and active investigation,” police said. “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.”
Nathan Smith: Rising Music Producer and DJ
Following in His Father’s Footsteps
Nathan Smith was carving out his own path in the music industry under the stage name DJ Young Slade. A 2019 graduate of New York University, Smith was a music producer, artist, and audio engineer who had been actively involved in Atlanta’s vibrant hip-hop scene.
“He was an amazingly talented young man; a music producer, an artist and engineer, and graduate of NYU,” Lil Jon said in his statement. “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.”
Smith began DJing at age 11, with his father supporting his early musical education. In a 2019 interview with HuffPost, Lil Jon emotionally recalled watching his son graduate from DJ academy: “When my son graduated from DJ academy I teared-up to see him follow [in my footsteps].”
Active Presence in Atlanta Music Scene
As DJ Young Slade, Nathan Smith maintained a robust presence on SoundCloud and other music platforms, with numerous tracks showcasing his production skills. He was a familiar face in Atlanta’s music industry, frequently photographed with prominent artists including Post Malone, Killer Mike, Big Boi, Fergie, Too $hort, and E-40, according to his social media presence.
Smith also appeared in MTV’s “Family Legacy,” a television series focusing on children of prominent musicians building their own careers. He spoke candidly about learning from his father while establishing his own artistic identity.
“[My father] taught me to ‘keep going’ and ‘work hard’ at my craft,” Smith said in a 2025 interview about his music career. “But I’m also trying to create my own sound, my own legacy.”
Lil Jon: Atlanta Hip-Hop Legend
Career Spanning Three Decades
Lil Jon, born Jonathan H. Smith, is a 58-year-old Atlanta-based rapper and producer who became a central figure in the crunk subgenre of hip-hop during the early 2000s. His distinctive ad-libs and high-energy production style helped define an era of Southern hip-hop.
The Grammy Award-winning artist is best known for hits including:
- “Get Low” (2002) with the East Side Boyz
- “Turn Down for What” (2013) with DJ Snake
- “Snap Yo Fingers” (2006) with E-40 and Sean Paul
- “Shots” (2009) with LMFAO
Beyond music production, Lil Jon has maintained a presence in popular culture through television appearances, voice acting, and his signature energetic persona that made him a household name.
Family Life in Milton, Georgia
Lil Jon has lived in Milton, an affluent suburban community north of Atlanta, for many years. He shared Nathan with his ex-wife Nicole Smith, whom he married in Puerto Rico in 2004. The couple amicably separated in 2022 after 18 years of marriage, with both maintaining close relationships with their son.
Nathan was Lil Jon and Nicole’s only child together. Lil Jon also has a 1-year-old daughter, Nahara, with his current girlfriend Jamila Sozahdah, a business owner. The couple welcomed Nahara in 2024.
“The family is asking for privacy at this time,” a representative for Lil Jon said earlier this week. “We are also asking for continued prayers.”
Community Mourns Young Life Lost
Tributes Left at Recovery Site
On Friday afternoon, community members began leaving tributes near the pond where Smith’s body was recovered. Flowers, candles, and handwritten notes accumulated as news of the tragedy spread through Milton’s close-knit community.
Sabrina Bernal and Miya Villagrana, residents of nearby Woodstock, Georgia, arrived Friday to place white flowers at the site.
“When I found the news he was missing, I was very sad. My heart goes out to his parents,” Bernal told FOX 5 Atlanta, visibly emotional. “I have a daughter his age and yeah, it felt like we should come and put some flowers down.”
Bernal added that as a mother, the tragedy hit particularly close to home. “I put myself in his mother’s shoes. It’s heartbreaking, ah, very heartbreaking,” she said.
Police Thank Volunteers and First Responders
Milton Police Department expressed gratitude to the numerous agencies and volunteers who assisted in the search effort.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the Smith family during this difficult time,” Milton Police said in their Friday statement. “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.”
Lil Jon’s statement echoed this gratitude: “Thank you for all of the prayers and support in trying to locate him over the last several days. Thank you to the entire Milton police department involved.”
Multiple agencies participated in the search operation, including:
- Milton Police Department
- Cherokee County Fire Department Dive Team
- Haralson County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit
- Fulton County Sheriff’s Office
- Georgia State Patrol
- Community volunteers
Investigation Continues
No Foul Play Suspected, But Case Remains Open
While Milton Police have stated there is no indication of foul play, the investigation remains active and open. Authorities are awaiting the official autopsy results to determine the exact cause and manner of death.
The circumstances surrounding Smith’s departure from his home—described as “unusual” by police—have not been detailed publicly. Law enforcement has not disclosed what prompted Smith to leave his residence early Tuesday morning or why he appeared disoriented.
The Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office will conduct a full autopsy Monday to determine:
- Official cause of death
- Manner of death (accident, natural causes, suicide, homicide, or undetermined)
- Toxicology results (typically take several weeks)
- Time of death estimation
“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,” Milton Police reiterated in their statement.
Mental Health Resources
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues or experiencing a crisis, help is available:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
- Call or text 988 (available 24/7)
- Free and confidential support
Crisis Text Line
- Text HOME to 741741
- Connect with a trained crisis counselor
SAMHSA National Helpline
- 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
- Treatment referral and information service (24/7)
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
- 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
- Text “NAMI” to 741741
Music Industry Responds to Tragic Loss
Hip-Hop Community Shares Condolences
The hip-hop community has rallied around Lil Jon and his family following the devastating news. Numerous artists, producers, and industry professionals have shared their condolences on social media, honoring Nathan Smith’s memory and supporting the grieving family.
DJ Snake, who collaborated with Lil Jon on the massive hit “Turn Down for What,” posted a heartfelt tribute on Instagram: “My heart breaks for my brother Jon and his family. Nathan was such a bright light with so much talent ahead of him. Sending all my love and prayers during this impossible time.”
Other notable figures in the music industry who have expressed their sympathies include:
- Usher: “Praying for strength for the Smith family. Gone way too soon.”
- T-Pain: “This is heartbreaking. My prayers are with Jon, Nicole and the whole family.”
- Ludacris: “Atlanta lost one of our own. Rest in peace, Young Slade.”
- Killer Mike: “Known this young man since he was a kid. Talented, kind, respectful. This hurts.”
The Recording Academy, which oversees the Grammy Awards, issued a statement Friday evening: “The music community mourns the loss of Nathan Smith, a talented young producer and artist. Our deepest condolences go out to Lil Jon, Nicole Smith, and their entire family during this unimaginably difficult time.”
Industry Professionals Remember Nathan’s Talent
Several music industry professionals who worked with Nathan Smith have come forward to share their memories of the young producer.
Marcus Johnson, an audio engineer who collaborated with Smith on several projects in 2025, described him as “incredibly dedicated to his craft.”
“Nathan had this natural ear for music,” Johnson told Billboard in an interview Saturday. “He could hear something in a track that others would miss. He was patient, meticulous, and always willing to learn. The industry lost someone special.”
Atlanta-based producer Mike Will Made-It, who mentored Smith during a summer internship program in 2023, posted a lengthy tribute on X (formerly Twitter): “Nathan was one of the most humble and hardworking young producers I’ve ever worked with. He never relied on his father’s name—he wanted to earn respect through his own talent. And he was well on his way to doing exactly that.”
Several artists who had worked with DJ Young Slade shared unreleased tracks and studio sessions on social media as tributes, showcasing Smith’s production versatility across hip-hop, R&B, and electronic music genres.
The Milton, Georgia Community Responds
Suburban Town Rallies Around Famous Resident
Milton, an affluent suburban community of approximately 40,000 residents located in north Fulton County, has long been home to several high-profile Atlanta celebrities, including Lil Jon. The city, incorporated in 2006, is known for its excellent schools, equestrian culture, and tight-knit community atmosphere.
The tragedy has deeply affected the local community, with many residents expressing shock and sadness over the loss of a young life.
Milton Mayor Peyton Jamison released a statement Saturday morning: “On behalf of the City of Milton, I extend our deepest condolences to the Smith family during this heartbreaking time. Our thoughts and prayers are with them, and we are grateful to our police department and all the agencies who worked tirelessly to bring Nathan home to his family.”
The Milton Community Church, located just blocks from where Smith’s body was recovered, held a special prayer service Saturday evening. Pastor David Reynolds told attendees: “When tragedy strikes our community, we come together. We lift up the Smith family in prayer and ask for God’s comfort during their darkest hours.”
Local Schools Offer Support
Several schools in the Milton area have made counselors available to students affected by the news, recognizing that many young people in the community may know the Smith family or be processing the tragedy of losing someone close to their own age.
“Anytime a young person dies, it impacts our entire community, especially our students,” said Dr. Michelle Rosser, superintendent of Fulton County Schools. “We want to ensure that any student struggling with this news has access to support and resources.”
Cambridge High School, which serves the Milton area, sent a letter to parents Friday evening alerting them to the situation and providing information about grief counseling resources available to students.
Understanding the Search and Recovery Process
How Missing Person Cases Are Handled
The search for Nathan Smith followed standard protocols for missing person cases, though the urgency was elevated due to concerns about his wellbeing.
When someone is reported missing in Georgia, law enforcement agencies follow a systematic approach:
- Initial Report: Police take detailed information including physical description, last known location, clothing, mental state, and any medical conditions.
- Immediate Search: Officers canvass the area, interview witnesses, and check locations the person is known to frequent.
- K-9 Deployment: Specially trained search and rescue dogs use scent articles to track the missing person.
- Area Expansion: If ground searches prove unsuccessful, the search area expands to include nearby parks, wooded areas, and bodies of water.
- Specialized Resources: Dive teams, helicopters, drones, and additional agencies are called in as needed.
In Nathan Smith’s case, the progression from ground search to water search occurred after K-9 units provided leads suggesting he may have traveled toward the pond area.
The Role of Dive Teams in Recovery Operations
The Cherokee County Fire Department’s dive team that recovered Nathan Smith’s body is one of several specialized units serving the metro Atlanta area. These teams undergo extensive training for underwater search and recovery operations.
Dive team operations in murky pond water present unique challenges:
- Limited Visibility: Georgia pond water often has visibility of less than one foot, requiring divers to search primarily by touch.
- Underwater Hazards: Submerged debris, vegetation, and uneven terrain complicate searches.
- Time Sensitivity: Rapid response improves chances of recovery while preserving evidence.
- Emotional Toll: Recovery divers must maintain professionalism while handling traumatic situations.
Cherokee County Fire Chief Tim Prather commended his dive team’s professionalism: “These are some of the most difficult operations our personnel undertake. They performed with the utmost professionalism and compassion during an incredibly sad situation.”
The Broader Context: Missing Persons and Mental Health
Missing Person Statistics in Georgia
According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, approximately 30,000 missing person reports are filed in Georgia each year. The vast majority—about 95%—are resolved within 72 hours, with individuals either being located or returning home voluntarily.
However, cases involving adults who leave under unusual circumstances or appear disoriented raise immediate concerns among law enforcement and families. Mental health crises, medical emergencies, and other factors can put missing individuals at significant risk.
The National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) reports that:
- Most missing adults are found alive
- Water-related deaths account for a significant portion of accidental fatalities
- Quick reporting and rapid response dramatically improve outcomes
Mental Health Awareness in Young Adults
Nathan Smith’s death, while the official cause has not yet been determined, highlights the importance of mental health awareness, particularly among young adults.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI):
- 1 in 5 adults in the United States experiences mental illness annually
- Suicide is the second leading cause of death for individuals aged 25-34
- 75% of mental health conditions begin by age 24
- Early intervention and treatment significantly improve outcomes
The music and entertainment industry has increasingly recognized mental health challenges faced by artists and industry professionals. High-pressure environments, irregular schedules, substance abuse risks, and the demands of public life can contribute to mental health struggles.
Several organizations now focus specifically on mental health support for music industry professionals:
- MusiCares: Provides mental health resources and crisis assistance for music professionals
- Backline: Offers mental health and wellness services for music industry workers
- Help Musicians: Provides 24/7 mental health support hotline for artists
Breaking the Stigma
In recent years, numerous high-profile artists have spoken openly about mental health struggles, helping to reduce stigma and encourage others to seek help.
Artists including Kid Cudi, Logic, Kehlani, and others have used their platforms to discuss depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation—normalizing conversations about mental health within the hip-hop community.
“We have to create spaces where people feel safe talking about what they’re going through,” rapper Logic, who addressed suicide prevention in his 2017 song “1-800-273-8255,” said in a 2023 interview. “Asking for help isn’t weakness—it’s strength.”
The Smith Family’s Privacy and Grief
Navigating Public Mourning
For Lil Jon and Nicole Smith, the tragedy of losing their son is compounded by the public nature of their grief. As a Grammy-winning artist with millions of fans worldwide, Lil Jon faces the challenge of mourning privately while in the public eye.
Celebrity grief counselor Dr. Sherry Cormier, who has worked with numerous high-profile families, explains the unique challenges: “Public figures don’t have the luxury of private grieving. Their loss becomes news, speculation runs rampant, and they must balance their own healing with public expectations and media scrutiny.”
The Smith family’s request for privacy is both understandable and important for their healing process. Mental health professionals emphasize that grief is a deeply personal journey that unfolds differently for each individual.
Supporting Grieving Families
For those wondering how to support the Smith family and others experiencing similar losses, grief counselors offer these suggestions:
Do:
- Respect requests for privacy
- Send simple messages of condolence without expecting responses
- Offer specific, concrete help (meals, errands, etc.)
- Remember the person who died by sharing positive memories
- Continue reaching out weeks and months later when initial support fades
Don’t:
- Speculate about circumstances or causes
- Share unverified information or rumors
- Compare losses or say “I know how you feel”
- Put pressure on grieving individuals to respond or appear publicly
- Set expectations for how or when someone should “move on”
The Long Road Ahead
Grief experts note that losing a child is considered one of the most traumatic experiences a parent can endure. The grieving process for parents who have lost children often takes years and fundamentally changes their lives forever.
“There is no timeline for grief,” Dr. Alan Wolfelt, a respected grief counselor and author, has written. “We don’t ‘get over’ the death of someone we love. We learn to carry the loss with us as we move forward in our lives.”
Support groups specifically for parents who have lost adult children exist throughout the Atlanta area and nationwide, providing safe spaces for parents to connect with others who understand their unique pain.
Looking Ahead: Remembering Nathan Smith
In the wake of this tragedy, the music community is rallying to remember Nathan Smith not for how he died, but for how he lived—as a talented young artist, devoted son, and kind-hearted individual pursuing his passions.
“Nathan was the kindest human being you would ever meet,” Lil Jon emphasized in his statement. “He was immensely caring, thoughtful, polite, passionate, and warmhearted—he loved his family and the friends in his life to the fullest.”
Friends and colleagues have begun organizing informal tributes to celebrate Nathan’s life and contributions to music. Several Atlanta recording studios have announced plans to dedicate studio time to emerging young producers in Nathan’s memory, continuing his legacy of supporting and mentoring up-and-coming talent.
As the Smith family grieves this unimaginable loss, they have requested privacy while thanking supporters for the outpouring of love and prayers during the search and in the aftermath of Nathan’s death.
The music industry has lost a promising young talent, Atlanta has lost a member of its creative community, and a family has lost a beloved son far too soon. But through the memories shared by those who knew him and the music he created, Nathan Smith’s impact will continue to resonate.
A Father’s Love
In closing, it’s worth reflecting on Lil Jon’s 2019 words about his son, spoken long before this tragedy: “When my son graduated from DJ academy I teared-up to see him follow [in my footsteps]. To see him passionate about what I love, it was emotional for me.”
That same passion, dedication, and love characterized Nathan Smith’s 27 years of life—and it is how he will be remembered by those who loved him most.
Editor’s Note: This is a developing story and will be updated as additional information becomes available from the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office and Milton Police Department. Out of respect for the Smith family’s privacy, media outlets have been asked to refrain from contacting family members directly during this difficult time.
If you have any information related to this case, please contact the Milton Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at (678) 242-2500.
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