UPDATE Lil Jon's Son Nathan Smith Found Dead In Milton Pond (VIDEO)

The Talk Lounge is reporting on absolutely devastating news from the music community. Nathan Smith, the 27 year old son of legendary rapper and producer Lil Jon, has been found dead in a pond near his Milton, Georgia home after a multi day search that gripped the nation. The talented music producer, who performed under the name DJ Young Slade, vanished under mysterious circumstances on Tuesday morning, February 3rd, 2026, sparking an intensive search operation that tragically ended on Friday. 

According to the Milton Police Department, officers were first called to Nathan Smith's residence on Baldwin Drive around 6:00 AM on Tuesday after receiving reports of a missing adult. Witnesses and family members told authorities that Nathan was last seen running out of his home barefoot and without his phone, appearing disoriented and possibly in need of assistance. The concerning circumstances of his disappearance immediately triggered alarm bells for both law enforcement and his worried family. 

The search effort intensified over the following days as multiple law enforcement agencies, emergency responders, and volunteers combed through the affluent Milton area desperately searching for any sign of Nathan. The Milton Police Department worked alongside the Cherokee County Fire Department, expanding their search radius to include Mayfield Park, a wooded area with a pond located near the Smith family residence. The community rallied together, sharing missing person alerts across social media and organizing search parties. 

On Friday, February 6th at approximately 11:53 AM, the search came to a heartbreaking conclusion. Divers with the Cherokee County Fire Department located and recovered a body from the pond at Mayfield Park. While the Fulton County Medical Examiner's Office is working to make official confirmation and determine the cause and manner of death, authorities believe the body is that of Nathan Smith. Milton Police have stated that no foul play is suspected at this time, though the investigation remains open and active.

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Lil Jon, whose real name is Jonathan Smith, released a gut wrenching statement on Instagram confirming the tragic loss of his only son with ex wife Nicole Smith. The "Turn Down For What" rapper's words painted a picture of a young man who was far more than just a celebrity's child. He was a person of extraordinary kindness, talent, and promise whose life was cut devastatingly short.

"I am extremely heartbroken for the tragic loss of our son, Nathan Smith. His mother Nicole Smith and I are devastated," Lil Jon wrote in his emotional statement. "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."

Nathan Smith wasn't just living in his father's shadow, he was carving out his own path in the music industry. As DJ Young Slade, he was building a reputation as a skilled music producer and audio engineer. The NYU graduate had followed in his father's footsteps but was determined to make his own mark on the industry. In a resurfaced interview from nearly a year before his death, Nathan spoke lovingly about Lil Jon, praising his father for being present and heavily involved in his life, a testament to the close bond they shared.

The circumstances surrounding Nathan's disappearance have left investigators and the family with haunting questions. Why did he run out of his home that Tuesday morning? What caused him to appear disoriented? How did he end up in the pond at Mayfield Park? While authorities have stated no foul play is suspected, the lack of clear answers makes this tragedy even more difficult for those who loved him. The Fulton County Medical Examiner will be crucial in providing some of those answers as they work to determine the official cause and manner of death.

The Milton Police Department released a statement extending their deepest condolences to the Smith family during this unimaginably difficult time. "We extend our deepest condolences to the Smith family during this difficult time," the department said. "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." The request for privacy comes as the family processes not only the loss itself but the very public nature of the search and discovery.

Lil Jon and Nicole Smith were married for approximately 18 years before separating in 2022. Nathan was their only child together, making this loss even more profound for both parents. Lil Jon also has a 1 year old daughter, Nahara, with his girlfriend, business owner Jamila Sozahdah. The rapper thanked the Milton Police Department and all the agencies involved in the search effort, as well as the community members who rallied together with prayers and support during the desperate days of searching.

In his statement, Lil Jon revealed something that will provide a small measure of comfort amid the overwhelming grief. "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." Those words suggest that father and son had recently spent time together, and that they made sure to tell each other how much they meant to one another. In the wake of sudden tragedy, that knowledge is invaluable.

The hip hop community and fans around the world have flooded social media with tributes to Nathan Smith and messages of support for Lil Jon and his family. Fellow artists, producers, and industry professionals have shared their shock and sadness at the news. Nathan was known not just as Lil Jon's son but as a talented artist in his own right, someone who had his whole life and career ahead of him. His death at just 27 years old represents a staggering loss of potential and promise.

Lil Jon has been sharing tributes and memories on his Instagram, including videos featuring pictures of him and Nathan when his son was just a baby. The rapper also reflected on a track that Nathan released when he graduated from college called "Move Thru Fire." "SLADE RELEASED THIS WHEN HE GRADUATED FROM COLLEGE," Jon captioned his post. "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." The pride and love in those words is palpable, a father celebrating his son's independence and artistic expression.

This tragedy serves as a sobering reminder that mental health crises, medical emergencies, and unexpected accidents can strike anyone, regardless of wealth, fame, or success. The fact that Nathan appeared disoriented before his disappearance suggests he may have been experiencing some kind of crisis, whether medical, psychological, or otherwise. The importance of recognizing when someone needs help and knowing how to respond quickly cannot be overstated.

The Talk Lounge community sends our deepest condolences to Lil Jon, Nicole Smith, and everyone who loved Nathan Smith. This is an unimaginable loss that no parent should ever have to endure. Have you been following this heartbreaking story? Do you have memories of DJ Young Slade's music or have you been touched by Nathan's story? Drop respectful comments below as we collectively mourn this tremendous loss. Let's honor Nathan's memory by supporting one another and his grieving family during this impossible time.

Rest in peace, Nathan "DJ Young Slade" Smith. Gone far too soon, but your kindness, talent, and love will never be forgotten.