Body Found in Search for DJ Young Slade, Son of Lil Jon, Georgia Police Say

Police in Georgia say a body has been found in the search for DJ Young Slade, the son of rapper and producer Lil Jon, who was reported missing earlier this week.

The Milton Police Department announced Friday morning that crews from the Cherokee County Fire Department recovered a body from a pond near the family’s estate in Milton, Georgia. Authorities said the body is believed to be Nathan Murray Smith, DJ Young Slade’s legal name, but official identification is still pending.

The Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office is now working to confirm the identity and determine the cause of death. Police noted there is currently no indication of foul play, though the investigation remains ongoing.

Divers were seen on video searching the pond before pulling the body from the water. The search area was close to the Smith family’s home in Milton, a city about 30 miles north of Atlanta.

Nathan was reported missing on Tuesday after police said he ran from his home barefoot. According to investigators, he did not have his phone with him and may have been disoriented at the time, raising concerns for his safety.

Earlier this week, a representative for Lil Jon shared a statement on behalf of the family, saying, “The family is asking for privacy at this time. We are also asking for continued prayers for Nathan to come home safe. Thank you.”

DJ Young Slade had been working steadily to build his own career in music, following in his father’s footsteps. Lil Jon had previously spoken with pride about sharing the same industry with his son and supporting his passion for music.

Authorities say more information will be released once the medical examiner completes the identification process.