Authorities in Milton, Georgia have recovered a body believed to be Nathan Smith, known professionally as DJ Young Slade, the 27-year-old son of hip-hop legend Lil Jon.
The heartbreaking discovery comes after a tense, multi-day search.
Officials say divers with the Cherokee County Fire Department located a body Friday morning in a pond at Mayfield Park, just minutes from Smith’s residence in Milton.
While investigators believe the remains belong to Smith, official identification and the cause of death are still pending confirmation from the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office.
The Milton Police Department stated there are currently no signs of foul play, but said the case remains open as detectives work to determine exactly what happened.
Smith was reported missing on February 3, 2026, after leaving his Milton home on foot in the early morning hours — without his phone, wallet, or other personal belongings.
Police described him as possibly disoriented and launched an aggressive search that included:
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K-9 units
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Specialized ground search teams
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Aquatic dive crews
That search ultimately ended with Friday’s tragic discovery.
Who Was DJ Young Slade?
Nathan Smith, who performed as DJ Young Slade, was a rising DJ and producer making his own lane in Atlanta’s nightlife and music scene.
He began DJing at a young age and steadily built a following independent of his father’s fame. His most recent single, “Feels,” dropped in March 2025 and marked a major step in his solo career.
Though known as Lil Jon’s son, those close to him say Smith was determined to be recognized for his own talent, not just his last name.
This story is still developing.
