Lil Jon's Son's Case Takes Somber Turn With Official Findings

Tragic autopsy results reveal Nathan Smith, Lil Jon's 27-year-old son, drowned accidentally after psilocybin use.

Nearly a month after the tragic discovery of a body in a Georgia pond, officials have confirmed the cause of death for Nathan Smith, the 27-year-old son of Lil Jon.

What began as a desperate missing persons search has now concluded with formal autopsy findings, offering answers while deepening the heartbreak surrounding the family’s devastating loss.

Official Autopsy Findings In Lil Jon's Son's Death

 

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The Fulton County Medical Examiner has determined that Nathan Smith died from "drowning in the setting of psilocybin use," with the manner of death ruled an accident, according to an autopsy report obtained by PEOPLE.

Toxicology results revealed the presence of psilocybin in his system, described in the report as "a pharmacologically active hallucinogenic compound of psilocybin — hallucinogenic mushrooms."

Under the pathologic diagnosis, officials confirmed Smith’s body was recovered from a retention pond and noted water-immersion wrinkling on his hands.

Authorities have emphasized there was no evidence of foul play in the case, though the findings mark a painful conclusion to weeks of uncertainty for the family.

Search Efforts And Timeline Before Discovery

 

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Nathan Smith, who performed under the name DJ Young Slade, was reported missing on Feb. 3 after what police described as unusual circumstances.

According to the Milton Police Department, he was last seen around 6 a.m. "in the vicinity of Baldwin Dr./Mayfield Rd. in Milton," and "may be disoriented and in need of assistance."

Police further stated, "Subject ran out of his house and has been missing since. Subject left on foot and does not possess a phone," adding, "Family and friends are concerned for his safety."

Three days later, search teams broadened their efforts.

Lil Jon's Son's Body Recovered After Intense Search

In a Feb. 6 statement, the Milton Police Department said, "After being unable to locate Mr. Smith during that time, teams expanded the search to include a pond in Mayfield Park near Smith’s Milton residence."

The statement continued, "On February 6, 2026, at approximately 11:53 a.m., divers with the Cherokee County Fire Department located and recovered a body from the pond. The individual is believed to be Nathan Smith, pending official confirmation by the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office."

Officials noted there was "no indication of foul play" but confirmed the investigation would remain open until all procedures were complete. They also stated that no additional information would be released until the medical examiner finalized the official findings and "all investigative leads have been thoroughly examined."

The department requested privacy for the grieving family.

Lil Jon Speaks Out After Son's Death Is Confirmed

 

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Shortly after police announced they believed Smith had been found, Lil Jon shared a deeply emotional statement.

"I am extremely heartbroken for the tragic loss of our son, Nathan Smith. His mother and I are devastated," the rapper said.

He described his son as "the kindest human being you would ever meet. He was immensely caring, thoughtful, polite, passionate, and warmhearted — he loved his family and the friends in his life to the fullest. He was an amazingly talented young man; a music producer, an artist and engineer, and graduate of NYU."

Reflecting on their bond, Lil Jon added, "We loved Nathan with all of our hearts and are incredibly proud of him. He was loved and appreciated, and in our last times together we’re comforted in knowing that we expressed that very sentiment to him."

He also thanked supporters who offered prayers and condolences during the search and expressed appreciation to the Milton Police Department for their efforts.

Remembering Nathan Smith Beyond The Headlines

 

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Nathan was the son of Lil Jon, born Jonathan Smith, and his ex-wife Nicole Smith.

The former couple married in 2004 and publicly announced in February 2024 that they had amicably separated two years earlier.

Known in music circles as DJ Young Slade, Nathan carved his own creative path as a producer, artist, and engineer. His father has vowed that his son’s legacy will not fade.

After laying his son to rest on Feb. 18, Lil Jon shared another emotional message, stating, "I love you, son. Life will never be the same without you. Allah, give me strength."

He later expressed gratitude to those who "reached out with condolences, love, and prayers" and promised, "I will make sure the world knows your talent and never forgets your name. Nathan Murray Smith."