In a devastating loss that has shaken the music community, Grammy-winning rapper and producer Lil Jon confirmed the death of his 27-year-old son, Nathan Smith, known professionally as DJ Young Slade. The young music producer’s body was discovered in a pond near his Milton, Georgia home on February 6, 2026, following a multi-day search effort that mobilized numerous law enforcement agencies and volunteers across North Fulton County.
A Father’s Devastating Announcement
Jonathan Smith, known worldwide as Lil Jon, shared the heartbreaking news through a deeply personal statement posted to social media. “I am extremely heartbroken for the tragic loss of our son, Nathan Smith,” the “Turn Down For What” artist wrote. “His mother, Nicole Smith, and I are devastated.”
But it was what came next that revealed the true essence of the young man whose life ended far too soon. In words that have resonated with millions across the globe, Lil Jon painted an intimate portrait of his son’s character and spirit.
The Man Behind DJ Young Slade
“Nathan was the kindest human being you would ever meet,” Lil Jon wrote in his tribute. “He was immensely caring, thoughtful, polite, passionate, and warmhearted—he loved his family and the friends in his life to the fullest.”
Nathan Smith wasn’t just living in his famous father’s shadow—he was carving out his own path in the music industry. A graduate of New York University, Nathan had established himself as a music producer, artist, and engineer under the stage name DJ Young Slade. His SoundCloud profile showcased a robust catalog of tracks, and he was a prominent figure in Atlanta’s vibrant hip-hop scene.
Recent photographs captured Nathan alongside industry heavyweights including Post Malone, Killer Mike, Big Boi, Fergie, Too $hort, and E-40, demonstrating his growing presence in the music world. His most recent single, “Feels,” was released in March 2025, showcasing his evolving artistic vision.
The Search That Gripped a Community
The tragedy began unfolding in the early morning hours of Tuesday, February 3, 2026, when Nathan was reported missing after running out of his Milton home under what police described as “unusual circumstances.” He left without his phone, and authorities noted he may have been disoriented and in need of assistance.
The Milton Police Department immediately launched search operations, which quickly expanded to include the Sandy Springs Police Department, Fulton County Sheriff’s Office, Haralson County Sheriff’s Office, Cherokee Fire Department, Forsyth County Fire Department, Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office, Georgia K9 Team Search and Recovery, and multiple volunteers. The search concentrated heavily on the Mayfield Park area, with K-9 units deployed to scour the neighborhood and nearby bodies of water.
A specialized bloodhound from the Haralson County Sheriff’s Office—credited with 25 successful searches in the previous year—was brought in to assist. The community rallied together, with neighbors joining professional search teams in the desperate effort to locate Nathan.
On Friday morning, February 6, 2026, at approximately 11:53 a.m., Cherokee County Fire Department divers made the heartbreaking discovery in a pond near Nathan’s residence. While the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office will provide official confirmation, authorities have stated that based on the investigation to date, there is no indication of foul play.
A Community Mourns
The news has deeply affected the tight-knit Milton community, located approximately 30 miles north of Atlanta. Within hours of the discovery, mourners began gathering near the site where Nathan was found, leaving tributes and flowers to honor the young man’s memory.
Sabrina Bernal and Miya Villagrana, residents from nearby Woodstock, were among those who came to pay their respects with white flowers. “When I found the news he was missing, I was very sad. My heart goes out to his parents,” Bernal told reporters, visibly emotional. “I have a daughter his age and yeah it felt like we should come and put some flowers down.”
Bernal added that she couldn’t imagine the pain the family was experiencing. “I put myself in his mother’s shoes. It’s heartbreaking, ah, very heartbreaking,” she said.
A Father’s Pride
In his statement, Lil Jon emphasized his immense pride in his son’s accomplishments and the person he had become. “He was an amazingly talented young man; a music producer, an artist and engineer, and graduate of NYU,” the 55-year-old artist shared. “We loved Nathan with all of our hearts and are incredibly proud of him.”
The rapper, who rose to fame as a central figure in the crunk subgenre of hip-hop with hits like “Get Low” with the East Side Boyz in 2002 and “Turn Down For What” with DJ Snake in 2013, also reflected on his final moments with his son. “He was loved and appreciated, and in our last times together we’re comforted in knowing that we expressed that very sentiment to him.”
Lil Jon also has a daughter, Nahara, who was born in 2024.
Gratitude Amid Grief
Despite his overwhelming grief, Lil Jon took time to express gratitude to the numerous agencies and individuals who participated in the search efforts. “Thank you for all of the prayers and support in trying to locate him over the last several days,” he wrote.
He specifically acknowledged the Milton Police Department team including Detective Dula Milton, Investigators Sergeant Scott Lappin, Detective Randy Dula, Detective Sarah Moore, and Detective Daniel Williams, along with all the other agencies, fire departments, sheriff’s offices, and volunteers who worked tirelessly to locate Nathan.
The Milton Police Department released a statement asking the community and media to respect the family’s privacy during this difficult time. “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.”
A Legacy of Love
As the investigation continues and the medical examiner works to determine the official cause and manner of death, what remains clear is the impact Nathan Smith had on those who knew him. Through his father’s words, the world has glimpsed a young man defined not by his famous last name, but by his kindness, passion, and the love he shared with family and friends.
In an industry often characterized by ego and competition, Nathan Smith stood out for his warmth and genuine spirit—qualities that will be remembered long after the music fades. His father’s tribute serves as a reminder that behind every artist, every public figure, is a human being worthy of being seen, loved, and remembered for who they truly were.
The music community continues to rally around Lil Jon and his family during this unimaginable time, with tributes and condolences pouring in from fans and fellow artists alike. While Nathan’s physical presence may be gone, the impact of his kindness and the memory of his warmhearted spirit will continue to resonate with all who knew him.