The desperate search for Lil Jon’s missing son, Nathan Smith, appears to have ended in tragedy after authorities recovered a body from a Georgia pond that’s believed to be the 27-year-old musician also known as DJ Young Slade.
Police announced Friday that divers with the Cherokee County Fire Department located and recovered the body at 11:53 a.m. “The individual is believed to be Nathan Smith, pending official confirmation by the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office,” the Milton Police Department said in a statement. Nathan was reported missing on Tuesday, officials said.
“I am extremely heartbroken for the tragic loss of our son, Nathan Smith,” Lil Jon said in a statement posted on his social media accounts. “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.”
Lil Jon called his son an “amazingly talented” music producer, artist, and engineer who graduated from NYU. “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,” the statement also signed by Nathan’s mom, said.
Police said they had no reason to believe Nathan was the victim of a crime. “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,” they said in their statement. “No further details will be released until the official cause and manner of death are determined by the Fulton County Medical Examiner and all investigative leads have been thoroughly examined.”
Milton is known as an affluent suburb located about 30 miles north of Atlanta. When police shared a missing person advisory for Nathan earlier this week, they said he was last seen around 6 a.m. on Tuesday. “Subject ran out of his house and has been missing since,” the alert said. “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.”
Police did not elaborate on what led them to search the pond in Mayfield Park, near the residence where Nathan was last seen. In his statement, Lil Jon thanked several members of the police department by name and revealed that a K9 team had assisted in the search.
Fellow celebrities shared an outpouring of support for the family on social media. “Condolences,” wrote musician Big Boi along with a prayer emoji. Taraji P. Henson added, “OMG. I AM SO SORRY Jon and mother. Sending you and your family so much love.”
