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Lil Jon's Son's Cause of Death Revealed
Nathan Smith, known as DJ Young Slade, died from accidental drowning while under the influence of psilocybin.
Published on Feb. 27, 2026
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The Fulton County Medical Examiner has determined that Lil Jon's son, Nathan Smith, died from accidental drowning after psilocybin, a hallucinogenic compound found in mushrooms, was found in his blood. Smith's body was discovered in a pond near his home in Milton, Georgia, just days after he was reported missing. Lil Jon remembered his son as a caring, thoughtful, and passionate young man who was 27 years old at the time of his death.
Why it matters
The tragic loss of Lil Jon's son highlights the dangers of recreational drug use and the importance of mental health awareness, especially among young adults. This incident also underscores the need for greater education and resources to prevent such accidental overdoses and drownings.
The details
According to the Fulton County Medical Examiner's office, Nathan Smith, also known by his stage name DJ Young Slade, died from "drowning in the setting of psilocybin use." The manner of death was ruled an accident. Psilocybin, a hallucinogenic compound found in certain mushrooms, was detected in Smith's blood during the autopsy. Smith's body was discovered in a pond near his home in Milton, Georgia, about 30 miles north of Atlanta, just days after he was first reported missing.
- On February 6, Nathan Smith's body was found in a pond near his home in Milton, Georgia.
- Smith was first reported missing prior to the discovery of his body.
The players
Lil Jon
A Grammy-winning rapper, producer, and DJ who is the father of Nathan Smith.
Nathan Smith
Also known by his stage name DJ Young Slade, he was Lil Jon's 27-year-old son who died in an accidental drowning incident.
Fulton County Medical Examiner
The medical examiner's office that determined the cause and manner of Nathan Smith's death.
What they’re saying
“Lil Jon remembered his son as an "immensely caring, thoughtful, polite, passionate, and warmhearted" young man.”
— Lil Jon (TMZ)
The takeaway
This tragic incident underscores the importance of addressing mental health and substance abuse issues among young adults, as well as the need for greater education and resources to prevent such accidental overdoses and drownings.


