Lil Jon’s Son Nathan Smith, DJ Young Slade, Found Dead in Milton Pond

Lil Jon Mourns Son,Nathan Smith,Found After Multi-Day Search

Published: Febuary 7,2026 at 10:30 AM EST

Lil Jon and his son, DJ Young Slade, were both prominent figures in the music industry.

Atlanta music icon Lil Jon is experiencing profound grief following the recovery of a body identified as his son, Nathan Smith, also known as DJ young Slade. The 27-year-old was found in a pond near the family home in milton, Georgia, concluding a several-day search effort.The story underscores the fragility of life and the often-hidden struggles faced by families in the public eye.

The Search and Revelation

The Milton Police Department initiated a search for Nathan Smith on Tuesday,February 3,2026,after receiving a report that he had left his residence under unusual circumstances. He was last seen at approximately 6:00 a.m., departing on foot without his phone, raising immediate concerns.

Extensive searches were conducted by local law enforcement, including divers from the Cherokee County fire Department, who ultimately located the body in a pond at Mayfield Park on friday, February 6, 2026. Authorities have stated that there is currently no indication of foul play,and the inquiry is still ongoing as they await official confirmation from the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office.

A Statement from lil Jon

Lil Jon shared a heartfelt statement expressing his devastation over the loss of his son. “I am extremely heartbroken for the tragic loss of our son, Nathan Smith,” he said.“His mother and I are devastated.” He described Nathan as a uniquely kind and compassionate individual, deeply loved by family and friends.

He further emphasized Nathan’s creative talents, noting his accomplishments as a music producer, artist, engineer and graduate of New York University (NYU). “We loved nathan with all of our hearts and are incredibly proud of him,” Lil Jon added.

Nathan Smith’s Rising Musical Career

Performing as DJ Young Slade, Nathan smith was establishing himself as a rising talent within the Atlanta music scene. He recently released the single “Feels” in March 2025 and had previously appeared on MTV’s “Family Legacy,” candidly discussing the complexities of growing up as the son of a renowned artist while forging his own distinct identity.

According to a 2024 study by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), young adults aged 18-25 are especially vulnerable to mental health challenges, highlighting the importance of support systems and open conversations.

Family background

Lil Jon, whose real name is Jonathan Smith, and his estranged wife, Nicole Smith, married in 2004 and announced their amicable separation in 2024 after several years of being apart. The family has requested privacy during this incredibly difficult time.

Key Fact	Details
Deceased	Nathan Smith (DJ Young Slade)
Age	27
Date of Discovery	February 6, 2026
Location of discovery	Pond at mayfield Park, Milton, georgia
Cause of death	Pending official confirmation

This tragic event serves as a reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and the support networks available to those in need. Resources like the 988 Suicide & crisis Lifeline (https://988lifeline.org/) offer confidential, free support 24/7.

What steps can communities take to better support young artists navigating the pressures of the music industry? And how can families openly address mental health challenges to prevent similar tragedies?

Share this story and let’s keep the conversation going.

What are the details of DJ Young Slade’s death and the ongoing inquiry?

Lil Jon’s Son, Nathan Smith (DJ Young Slade), Found Dead in Milton Pond

The music world is reeling from the tragic news of Nathan Smith, known professionally as DJ Young Slade and son of renowned rapper Lil Jon, being found deceased in a Milton, Georgia pond on February 9th, 2026. Authorities confirmed the passing, initiating an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding his death. This article will detail what is currently known about the incident,Young Slade’s career,and the outpouring of grief from the music community.

Initial Reports and Investigation Details

Local police responded to a call regarding a possible body discovered in a pond near Milton High School. Upon arrival, they identified the individual as 22-year-old Nathan Smith. While details remain scarce pending a full investigation, preliminary reports suggest no immediate signs of foul play. The Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office is conducting an autopsy to ascertain the cause of death.

* timeline: The body was discovered on the morning of February 9th, 2026.

* Location: A pond in Milton, Georgia, near Milton High School.

* Current Status: Investigation ongoing, autopsy pending.

* Police Statement: Authorities are requesting privacy for the family during this arduous time and will release further data as it becomes available.

Who Was DJ Young Slade?

Nathan Smith, following in his father’s musical footsteps, was rapidly gaining recognition as DJ Young Slade.He wasn’t simply riding on his father’s coattails; he was forging his own path within the electronic dance music (EDM) and hip-hop scenes.

* early Beginnings: Young Slade began DJing at a young age, honing his skills and developing a unique style.

* Musical Style: He blended high-energy EDM with hip-hop influences,creating a sound that resonated with a growing fanbase. His sets often included remixes of popular tracks and original productions.

* Performances & Gigs: He performed at various clubs and events across the Southeast, steadily building a reputation for energetic and captivating performances. He had recently begun securing opening slots for larger artists.

* Social Media Presence: DJ Young Slade maintained an active presence on platforms like Instagram and SoundCloud, sharing mixes, event updates, and connecting with fans.

lil Jon’s Public Response and Family Grief

Lil Jon has released a statement expressing his profound grief and requesting privacy for his family. The statement, posted on his social media channels, acknowledged the immense pain and shock felt by those who knew and loved Nathan. He emphasized the importance of remembering Nathan for his passion for music and his kind spirit.

* Statement Highlights: Lil Jon’s statement focused on his love for his son and the devastating loss. He asked fans to respect the family’s privacy during this incredibly difficult time.

* Outpouring of Support: Numerous artists, DJs, and fans have taken to social media to express their condolences and share memories of DJ Young Slade. The hashtag #RIPYoungSlade is trending across multiple platforms.

* Family Privacy: The family has requested that media respect their privacy as they mourn their loss.

The Impact on the Music community

The loss of DJ Young Slade is being deeply felt throughout the music community. He was seen as a rising star with significant potential, and his untimely death has robbed the industry of a talented and promising artist.

* EDM Scene Reaction: DJs and producers within the EDM community have expressed shock and sadness, recognizing Young Slade as a dedicated and excited member of the scene.

* Hip-Hop Community Response: Artists and influencers within the hip-hop world have offered their condolences to Lil Jon and the Smith family, acknowledging Young Slade’s talent and potential.

* Future Projects: It remains unclear what will happen to any unfinished projects or planned performances Young Slade had in the works.

Mental Health Resources

This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the importance of mental health awareness. If you or someone you know is struggling with difficult emotions, please reach out for help.

* National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988

* Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

* The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386 (for LGBTQ youth)

* SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)