Lil Jon has shared the heartbreaking news of his son, DJ Young Slade’s, passing after he went missing in Georgia earlier this week.
The rapper and his family are enduring an incredibly difficult time following the disappearance of DJ Young Slade, whose real name was Nathan Smith.
He was last seen on February 3 in Milton, Georgia. On February 6, the Milton Police Department confirmed via Facebook that a body had been recovered from a pond near the Smith family home, believed to be that of Nathan Smith.
Lil Jon later confirmed the tragic loss in a statement to TMZ.
“I am extremely heartbroken for the tragic loss of our son, Nathan Smith,” he stated.
Lil Jon expressed his profound grief, describing Nathan as an exceptional individual with a big heart and immense talent. He spoke of his son’s caring nature, thoughtfulness, kindness, and passion while emphasizing the deep love his family held for him. He also shared solace in knowing that love had been clearly expressed in their last moments together.
“His mother, Nicole Smith, and I are devastated. Nathan was 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. 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.”
The rapper extended his gratitude to the Milton Police Department for their assistance during this heartbreaking time.
Authorities revealed that the body was recovered by the Cherokee County Fire Department at Mayfield Park pond on Friday morning. Their initial findings indicate no signs of foul play, but investigations are ongoing. Further information will only be released after consultation with the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office.
The Milton Police Department conveyed their condolences to the Smith family, requesting privacy for them as they process their loss.
Nathan, following in his father’s footsteps, had made a name for himself in the music industry as an artist and DJ. He was also a participant in MTV’s reality show “Family Legacy”.
Reports suggest that Nathan left his Milton home barefoot and may have been disoriented at the time, without his phone or means to seek help.
