Lil Jon's Son's Death Ruled Accidental Drowning

Nathan Smith, 27, died near his Georgia home after psilocybin use, reports say.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The death of Atlanta rapper and producer Lil Jon's 27-year-old son Nathan Smith, who performs as DJ Young Slade, has been ruled an accidental drowning following psilocybin use, according to media reports. Smith went missing from his home in Milton, Georgia on February 3 and his body was found three days later in a nearby pond.

Why it matters

The tragic loss of Lil Jon's son has shaken the Atlanta music community, where Nathan Smith was building his own career as a DJ. The case also highlights the dangers of psilocybin use and the need for greater awareness and support around mental health issues.

The details

According to the Fulton County Medical Examiner's Office, Nathan Smith's death was ruled a "drowning in the setting of psilocybin use." Psilocybin is a hallucinogenic compound found in certain mushrooms that can cause panic reactions and psychotic episodes. Smith went missing from his home on February 3, and after a search, his body was found three days later in a pond near his residence. Police said foul play was not suspected in his death.

  • Nathan Smith went missing around 6 a.m. on February 3, 2026.
  • His body was found around 11:53 a.m. on February 6, 2026.
  • The Fulton County Medical Examiner's Office confirmed his death on February 9, 2026.

The players

Lil Jon

A Grammy-winning Atlanta rapper and producer, known as a pioneer of the crunk era in the early 2000s.

Nathan Smith

Lil Jon's 27-year-old son, who performed under the stage name DJ Young Slade and was building his own music career.

Milton Police

The police department in Milton, Georgia that investigated Nathan Smith's disappearance and death.

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What they’re saying

“On the first day of Ramadan yesterday, I laid my only son to rest. In this holy month, I'm asking for extra du'a for him and for our family. Please pray that Allah grants him Jannah and grants us sabr, mercy, and strength. Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un. I love you, son. Life will never be the same without you. Allah, give me strength. Also thank you to everyone who has reached out with condolences, love, and prayers we appreciate you all.”

— Lil Jon (Facebook)

The takeaway

The tragic death of Lil Jon's son Nathan Smith highlights the need for greater awareness and support around mental health issues, particularly among young people in the music industry. This case serves as a somber reminder of the dangers of substance abuse and the importance of prioritizing well-being in high-pressure creative fields.