What began as a tense search for answers in Milton, Georgia, has taken a heartbreaking turn. Nathan Smith, 27, a musician professionally known as DJ Young Slade and the son of rapper Lil Jon, was reported missing after leaving his home under circumstances that quickly raised concern. As hours turned into days without confirmed sightings, worry deepened among neighbors and supporters, prompting a coordinated response from multiple agencies determined to locate him.
Authorities said Smith was last seen in the early morning hours of February 3, 2026, departing around 6 a.m. without his phone — a detail investigators considered unusual enough to intensify the search. Teams canvassed nearby areas while specialized units examined locations that might provide clues, eventually concentrating efforts around Mayfield Park and surrounding waterways. The growing operation reflected both the urgency of the situation and the community’s hope for a safe outcome.
That hope was shaken on Friday, February 6, when officials reported that divers had recovered a body from a pond near Smith’s residence shortly before noon. While investigators indicated they believe the remains are his, they emphasized that formal identification — along with the cause and manner of death — will be determined by the Fulton County Medical Examiner. At this stage, authorities have stated there are no signs pointing to foul play, though the investigation remains ongoing as they work to fully understand what happened.
In a public message shared through media channels, Lil Jon mourned the loss of his son, describing him as both gifted and compassionate, and asked for privacy as the family navigates an unimaginable period of grief. Officials have supported that request, encouraging the public to show sensitivity while the final findings are completed. For many following the story, the tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly uncertainty can give way to sorrow, leaving a community united in sympathy and reflection.