Rapper Lil Jon has confirmed the death of his son, Nathan Smith, who went missing earlier this week in Milton, Georgia.
The 27-year-old, also known by his stage name DJ Young Slade, was found dead in a pond near his Georgia home on Friday, February 6, according to the authorities.
Body recovered near home
The Milton Police Department said divers from the Cherokee County Fire Department recovered a body from a pond at Mayfield Park at 11:53 a.m. on Friday.
“The individual is believed to be Nathan Smith,” the police said, adding that official identification will be provided by the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office. Authorities also confirmed that there is no indication of foul play, but the investigation remains open and active.
Lil Jon’s heartbreaking statement
Addressing the loss, Lil Jon, whose real name is Jonathan Smith, said in a 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.”
“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. Thank you for all of the prayers and support in trying to locate him over the last several days,” he added.
When did Lil Jon’s son go missing?
Nathan Smith was reported missing on February 3 after he left his home around 6 am without his phone. Police said he “may have been disoriented and in need of assistance,” prompting an extensive search involving K-9 units and dive teams.
The Milton Police Department extended condolences to the family and requested that the community respect their privacy during this difficult time.
