Lil Jon Confirms Son Nathan Smith, 27, Is Dead as Police Find Body in Area Pond

Lil Jon’s son, Nathan Smith, has been found dead after authorities recovered a body from a pond near the area where he was reported missing in Milton, Ga.

The Milton Police Department said in a statement posted Friday, Feb. 6, that divers located and recovered a body from a pond in Mayfield Park. Police believe the individual is Smith, 27, though official identification is pending confirmation by the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office.

According to the department, Smith was reported missing Tuesday, Feb. 3. Investigators said he “had left his residence under unusual circumstances,” prompting an initial search that later expanded to the pond near his home.

“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,” the statement said. “On February 6, 2026, at approximately 11:53 a.m., 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.”

Police said there is “no indication of foul play” at this time, but described the case as an “open and active investigation.” Officials added that no further details will be released until the medical examiner determines the official cause and manner of death and investigators complete their work.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the Smith family during this difficult time,” the statement continued, adding that the department and community were asked to respect the family’s privacy.

In a statement issued after the police update, Lil Jon said he and Smith’s mother were devastated by the loss.

“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.”

He added that the family was grateful for the efforts to find Smith in the days after he disappeared, thanking law enforcement agencies, search teams, and volunteers who assisted.

The Milton Police Department initially shared a missing-person notice on Feb. 3, saying Smith was last seen around 6 a.m. “in the vicinity of Baldwin Dr./Mayfield Rd. in Milton.”

“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,” the notice said.

Lil Jon, born Jonathan Smith, shared Nathan with estranged wife Nicole Smith. The couple married in 2004 and announced an “amicable split” in February 2024, noting they had separated nearly two years earlier.

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

Last year, he appeared on MTV’s Family Legacy and spoke about his relationship with his 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. “Because it’s like it comes from him, but also I’m definitely taking it and making it my own.”