Body Believed to Be Lil Jon's Son Found Dead in Pond Near Atlanta

Nathan Smith, known professionally as D.J. Young Slade, left his home under unusual circumstances and was later discovered deceased.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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A person believed to be the son of rapper Lil Jon has been found dead in a pond north of Atlanta, police said. Nathan Smith, 27, left his home in Milton, Georgia under unusual circumstances early Tuesday morning and was reported missing. After an extensive search, his body was discovered in a nearby pond on Friday.

Why it matters

The tragic death of Lil Jon's son has shaken the local community and raised questions about the circumstances surrounding his disappearance. As a prominent figure in the music industry, Lil Jon's personal loss has garnered national attention, highlighting the importance of mental health awareness and the need for support systems for young adults.

The details

According to police, Nathan Smith left his home on foot without his phone and may have been disoriented. After an unsuccessful initial search, authorities expanded the investigation to include the pond near his residence, where divers found his body shortly before noon on Friday. Police stated there is no indication of foul play, but the investigation remains open as they await the medical examiner's findings.

  • On Tuesday morning, Nathan Smith left his home in Milton, Georgia under unusual circumstances.
  • On Friday, shortly before noon, Cherokee County Fire Department divers found a body in the pond near Smith's residence.

The players

Lil Jon

An Atlanta rapper and producer who was a central figure in the crunk subgenre of hip-hop, known for songs like "Get Low" and "Turn Down For What".

Nathan Smith

Also known professionally as D.J. Young Slade, he was the 27-year-old son of Lil Jon who was found deceased in a pond near his home in Milton, Georgia.

Nicole Smith

The mother of Nathan Smith and Lil Jon's former partner.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Lil Jon (Instagram)

What’s next

The Milton Police Department's Criminal Investigations Division will continue to investigate the case, and the Fulton County Medical Examiner's Office will determine the official cause and manner of Nathan Smith's death.

The takeaway

This tragic loss highlights the importance of mental health awareness and the need for support systems for young adults, especially those from high-profile families. The community has rallied around Lil Jon and his family during this difficult time, underscoring the power of empathy and compassion in the face of such profound grief.