Lil Jon's missing son, DJ Young Slade, found dead in Georgia pond
American rapper Lil Jon announced that his missing son, Nathan Smith, also known as DJ Young Slade, has died. Smith's body was found in a pond near his home in Georgia.
In a post on his social media accounts, Lil Jon said that he is "extremely heartbroken" for the tragic loss of his 27-year-old son.
"His mother (Nicole Smith) and I are devastated. 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 wrote.
He went on to highlight that Smith was an "amazingly talented young man," fostering a career as a music producer, an artist, and an engineer.
"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," Lil Jon lamented.
The record producer ended his statement by expressing his gratitude to those who supported them in trying to locate their son over the last several days, as well as to the entire Milton police department involved.
In another post, Lil Jon posted a video compiling Smith's childhood pictures as he wrote in the caption, "This hurts so bad. I love you son."
Smith was first reported missing by local authorities on Tuesday, Feb. 4. He was last seen in the vicinity of Milton on Feb. 3 after running out of his house on foot without a phone.
Police noted that he "may be disoriented and in need of assistance."
The Hollywood Reporter detailed that a large search party was deployed to find him over the days that followed. It wasn't until Friday morning that search and rescue divers recovered Smith's body in a pond at the nearby Mayfield Park. Official confirmation from the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office is still pending.
While the case is still actively being investigated, police said there is no indication of foul play.
Like his father, Smith started his musical career under the name DJ Young Slade. He released his latest single, Feels, in March last year.