Lil Jon's Son, DJ Young Slade, Confirmed Deceased Days After Going Missing — Details

For days, hope quietly lingered as loved ones waited for answers. Now, a devastating confirmation has turned that waiting into mourning.

Authorities in Georgia have confirmed that the son of rapper Jonathan Smith, popularly known as Lil Jon, has died, days after he was reported missing. The news sent shockwaves through both the music world and the local community following an intense search.

According to a report from NBC News, the body of Lil Jon's 27-year-old son was recovered following a multi-day search in Georgia. Police and family members confirmed the discovery on Friday.

The young man was identified as Nathan Smith, who performed under the name DJ Young Slade. Nathan had been reported missing earlier in the week after a sudden and alarming incident at his residence.

What Happened Before He Vanished

Police said Nathan was last seen on Tuesday morning in Milton, Georgia. Investigators reported that he was seen running out of his home before disappearing. As hours turned into days, concern deepened among family members and supporters.

Search efforts expanded, with multiple agencies joining the operation. Authorities have not yet released an official cause or manner of death. The medical examiner's office will make the final determination, police said.

In a statement shared with NBC News, police said:

"We extend our deepest condolences to the Smith family during this difficult time. The department respectfully asks the community and members of the media to honor the family's request for privacy as they grieve and navigate this tragedy."

Was Foul Play Involved?

As speculation spread online, investigators addressed one of the biggest questions surrounding the case. Officials said there is currently no evidence pointing to criminal activity.

According to CNN, police said, "Based on the investigation to date, there is no indication of foul play. However, the Milton Police Department Criminal Investigations Division will continue to treat this as an open and active investigation."

Lil Jon Confirms the Devastating Loss

On February 6, 2026, Lil Jon publicly confirmed the death of his son in an emotional Instagram post. The three-slide message marked the family's first personal acknowledgment of the tragedy. The rapper began:

"I am extremely heartbroken for the tragic loss of our son, Nathan Smith. His mother [Nicole Smith] and I are devastated. 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."

In the second slide, the artist reflected on Nathan's future and accomplishments, "He was an amazingly talented young man; a music producer, an artist and engineer, and [a] graduate of NYU. We loved Nathan with all of our hearts and are incredibly proud of him."

The final slide expressed gratitude toward law enforcement and volunteers who searched tirelessly. Lil Jon and Nicole personally named multiple departments and individuals involved in the effort.

A Father Remembering His Son

Later that same day, Lil Jon shared a slideshow of personal photos of himself and Nathan. He captioned the post, "THIS HURTS SO BAD. 💔 I LOVE YOU SON."

In another tribute, Lil Jon highlighted Nathan's music, sharing a screenshot from Spotify featuring Young Slade's song "MOVE THRU FIRE."

He wrote, "SLADE RELEASED THIS WHEN HE GRADUATED FROM COLLEGE. HE WAS SO HAPPY TO EXPRESS HIS ART N DO IT HIMSELF. I WAS SO PROUD OF HIM FOR DOING IT ALL ON HIS OWN."

Where the Search Ultimately Led

As the investigation continued, officials confirmed additional details about the recovery. Authorities later disclosed where first responders located Nathan's body.

According to FOX 5 Atlanta, emergency crews recovered the body from a pond near Mayfield Road and Baldwin Drive in Milton. The Cherokee County Fire Department located the body around 11:53 a.m. Friday.

SKYFOX 5 footage showed dive teams and dozens of first responders working the scene. An object was seen being removed from the water and taken to a nearby tent as the operation concluded.

As the case remains under investigation, the family has asked for privacy. For now, loved ones continue to remember a talented artist, a devoted son, and a life gone far too soon.

Through music, memories, and heartfelt tributes, DJ Young Slade is being remembered not for how his story ended, but for the talent, warmth, and promise he carried with him.

As Lil Jon and his family mourn an unimaginable loss, they have asked for privacy. What remains is the lasting impact of a deeply loved son, a life deeply felt, and a legacy that will not be forgotten. We sympathize with the entire Lil Jon family.