Body recovered from Milton park pond believed to be Lil Jon’s son as investigation continues

Authorities say identification is pending and no foul play is indicated at this stage

A body recovered Friday from a pond at a Milton park is believed to be 27-year-old Nathan Smith, the son of Atlanta-based rapper and producer Lil Jon, police said. The identification has not yet been formally confirmed and remains pending the findings of the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office.

Milton police said the body was located late Friday morning at Mayfield Park with assistance from a dive team. The department said there was no indication of foul play based on information available at the time of the recovery, but the case remains an active investigation.

Search followed missing-person report earlier in the week

Smith, who performed under the name DJ Young Slade, had been the subject of a missing-person report after he was last seen in Milton on Tuesday morning near the intersection of Baldwin Drive and Mayfield Road, an area a short distance from the park’s pond.

Police had previously indicated that Smith left on foot without a phone and may have been disoriented, prompting an urgent search effort. Multiple agencies participated in search operations over several days, culminating in Friday’s recovery.

• Location: Mayfield Park, Milton, Georgia

• Person believed to be recovered: Nathan Smith, 27

• Confirmation pending: Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office

• Current police stance: No indication of foul play, investigation ongoing

Family statement acknowledges loss

In a public statement issued Friday, Lil Jon and Smith’s mother, Nicole Smith, said they were devastated by the loss. The statement described Nathan Smith as “the kindest human being” and expressed gratitude to those who assisted during the search.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the Smith family during this difficult time,” Milton police said in a statement.

What happens next

The medical examiner’s office is expected to complete the formal identification process and determine an official cause and manner of death. Police said they will continue investigative steps customary in death investigations, including evidence review and follow-up interviews, until the case can be closed or reclassified based on confirmed findings.

Officials have not released additional details about circumstances leading up to the recovery. Any further updates are expected to depend on medical examiner findings and the ongoing investigative review by Milton police.