Lil Jon confirms missing son Nathan Smith, 27, has died after body found in Georgia pond

MILTON, GEORGIA: Rapper Lil Jon (Jonathan Smith) has confirmed the death of his missing son, Nathan Smith, after authorities recovered a body from a pond near the 27-year-old's home in Georgia earlier this week.

Nathan had been reported missing earlier in the week after leaving his Milton, Georgia, home under what police described as “unusual” circumstances.

“I am extremely heartbroken for the tragic loss of our son, Nathan Smith,” Lil Jon told Page Six. “His mother [Nicole Smith] and I are devastated.”

Lil Jon remembers son as kind, talented and deeply loved

In his statement, the 55-year-old artist spoke movingly about Nathan’s character, describing him as a gentle and loving person who touched everyone around him.

“Nathan was the kindest human being you would ever meet,” he said. “He was immensely caring, thoughtful, polite, passionate and warmhearted - he loved his family and the friends in his life to the fullest.”

Lil Jon also highlighted his son’s creative talents and academic achievements. “He was an amazingly talented young man; a music producer, an artist and engineer, and a graduate of NYU,” he said.

The rapper added that the family is holding on to the comfort of knowing their love was always expressed. “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,” he said. 

Lil Jon concluded his message by thanking the public and law enforcement for their efforts: “Thank you for all of the prayers and support in trying to locate him over the last several days,” he said, offering a special acknowledgment to investigators who assisted in the search.

Police recover body near Nathan Smith's Milton home, investigation ongoing

The Milton Police Department announced on Friday, February 6, that divers from the Cherokee County Fire Department recovered a body from a pond in Mayfield Park, located near Nathan’s residence, just before noon.

Investigators said they believed the individual was Nathan, though the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office will officially confirm the identity.

“Based on the investigation to date, there is no indication of foul play,” police said in a statement. However, officials emphasized that the case remains open. “The Milton Police Department Criminal Investigations Division will continue to treat this as an open and active investigation.”

Authorities extended their condolences to the family, saying, “We extend our deepest condolences to the Smith family during this difficult time.”

Nathan Smith's disappearance raised concern among family and police

Nathan Smith, who performed under the stage name DJ Young Slade, was last seen early Tuesday morning at his home on Baldwin Drive in Milton, Georgia.

According to police, Smith ran out of the house and did not have his cellphone with him. Officers described the circumstances surrounding his departure as “unusual” and said there were concerns he may have been disoriented.

Local outlet Rough Draft Atlanta previously reported that Smith may have been naked at the time he left the home. “He may be disoriented and in need of assistance,” police said earlier in the week, noting that his loved ones were “concerned for his safety.”

Lil Jon had previously spoken publicly about his close bond with his son. In a 2014 interview, he described Nathan as “well-mannered,” “well-behaved,” and “a really, really good kid,” adding, “I listen to my son … he can talk to me about anything.”

Lil Jon is also the father of a one-year-old daughter, Nahara, whom he shares with his girlfriend, Jamila Sozahdah.