Rapper Lil Jon is mourning the death of his son, Nathan Smith, who was found dead near his residence on February 6, days after he was reported missing. Nathan Smith, 27, was also known by his stage name DJ Young Slade, according to a report by E! News. The news has sparked an outpouring of condolences from fans and members of the music industry.

Nathan had been reported missing on February 3, prompting local authorities to launch a search operation. The Milton Police Department confirmed that a body believed to be Smith’s was recovered from a pond near his home following several days of investigation. Officials said the search was expanded after they determined that Smith had left his residence under unusual circumstances and could not be located.

In a statement to E! News, Lil Jon, whose real name is Jonathan H. Smith, expressed deep grief over the loss. “I am extremely heartbroken for the tragic loss of our son, Nathan Smith,” he said, adding that both he and Nathan’s mother, Nicole Smith, were devastated by the tragedy. The family requested privacy as they came to terms with the loss.

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The rapper described his son as a compassionate and warm individual who was deeply loved by family and friends. He said Nathan was kind, thoughtful, passionate, and caring, and that the family took comfort in knowing they had expressed their love to him during their last moments together.

Lil Jon also highlighted his son’s accomplishments, noting that Nathan was a graduate of New York University and had built a career as a music producer, artist, and engineer. Under the name DJ Young Slade, he had been involved in creative projects within the music industry, following a path influenced by his passion for sound and production.

According to police, divers from the Cherokee County Fire Department recovered the body from a pond near Smith’s residence at around 11:53 a.m. on February 6. While official confirmation from the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office is awaited, authorities said there is currently no indication of foul play. The investigation, however, remains open and active as officials continue to review all findings.

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