An individual believed to be the son of rapper Lil Jon has been found lifeless in a pond north of Atlanta, police mentioned Friday.
Nathan Smith, identified professionally as D.J. Young Slade, left his house in Milton “under unusual circumstances” early Tuesday morning, police mentioned.
Lil Jon mentioned in a press release posted to his Instagram page that he and Smith’s mom, Nicole Smith, are “extremely heartbroken for the tragic loss of our son.”
“Nathan was the kindest human being you would ever meet,” the assertion reads. “He was immensely caring, thoughtful, polite, passionate, and warmhearted — he loved his family and the friends in his life to the fullest.”
Nathan Smith, 27, “ran out of his house and has been missing since,” police mentioned in a lacking particular person poster they circulated on social media.
He “left on foot and does not possess a phone,” police mentioned. “He may be disoriented and in need of assistance. Family and friends are concerned for his safety.”
Milton police instantly started trying to find Smith, police mentioned. After being unable to find him, police and different businesses expanded the search to embrace a pond near Smith’s residence. Shortly earlier than midday Friday, Cherokee County Fire Department divers found a physique in the pond.
“The individual is believed to be Nathan Smith, pending official confirmation by the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office,” police mentioned in a press release. The medical expert didn’t instantly reply to inquiries in regards to the case on Friday.
“Based on the investigation to date, there is no indication of foul play,” police mentioned. “However, the Milton Police Department Criminal Investigations Division will continue to treat this as an open and active investigation.”
Police mentioned no additional particulars would be launched till the trigger and method of demise are decided by the medical expert.
Milton is a suburban city about 30 miles (48 kilometers) north of Atlanta.
Lil Jon, born Jonathan Smith, is an Atlanta rapper and producer who was a central determine in the crunk subgenre of hip-hop. He’s identified for songs together with 2002’s “Get Low” along with his group the East Side Boyz and 2013’s “Turn Down For What” with DJ Snake.
He additionally has a daughter, Nahara, who was born in 2024.