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Following a days-long effort to locate Lil Jon's son DJ Young Slade (born Nathan Smith) after he was reported missing Feb. 3, the family confirmed that the musician died at age 27.
By Brahmjot Kaur Feb 06, 2026 9:42 PM | Updated 56 minutes ago
Lil Jon's Son Nathan Smith Found Dead at 27
Lil Jon is facing the unimaginable.
Days after the "Turn Down For What" rapper's son DJ Young Slade (real name Nathan Smith) was reported missing in Georgia, he was found dead near his home Feb. 6. He was 27.
"I am extremely heartbroken for the tragic loss of our son, Nathan Smith," Lil Jon (real name Jonathan H. Smith) shared in a statement to E! News. "His mother [Nicole Smith] and I are devastated."
"Nathan was the kindest human being you would ever meet," he continued. "He was immensely caring, thoughtful, polite, passionate, and warmhearted - he loved his family and the friends in his life to the fullest."
The 55-year-old reflected on his only son's accolades, including his graduation from New York University and his work as a music producer, artist and engineer.
"We loved Nathan with all of our hearts and are incredibly proud of him," the message added. "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 Milton Police Department confirmed the update on Facebook Feb. 6, sharing a timeline for its investigation after Nathan was reported missing on Feb. 3. Authorities began search efforts after determining that the DJ "had left his residence under unusual circumstances and could not be located."
"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 message 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."
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Pencils Of Promise
Although the department is awaiting the official confirmation from the Fulton County Medical Examiner's Office, the body is believed to be Nathan's.
"Based on the investigation to date, there is no indication of foul play," the department continued. "However, the Milton Police Department Criminal Investigations Division will continue to treat this as an open and active investigation."
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