Images: Kevin Mazur/Julia Beverly/Hannah Yahne
The body found in a pond at Mayfield Park in Milton, Georgia, is believed to be Nathan Smith, 27, known as DJ Young Slade and the son of rapper Lil Jon, but official identification is pending from the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s office.
Nathan Smith was reported missing on February 3 after leaving his home around 6 a.m., prompting a search that involved police, K-9 units, and divers from the Cherokee County Fire Department.
Smith was last seen near Baldwin Drive and Mayfield Road, approximately 100 yards from where the body was recovered, causing investigators to focus their search efforts in that area.
Despite the tragic discovery, authorities have indicated there is no evidence of foul play, and the investigation remains open while awaiting further findings.
Lil Jon said in a statement posted to his Instagram page that he and Smith’s mother, Nicole Smith, are “extremely heartbroken for the tragic loss of our son.”
“Nathan was the kindest human being you would ever meet,” the statement reads. “He was immensely caring, thoughtful, polite, passionate, and warmhearted — he loved his family and the friends in his life to the fullest.”
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