Crime & Safety
Body Found In Pond Presumed To Be Lil Jon's Son: Police
Milton Police are awaiting confirmation by the Fulton County medical examiner that the body found in a pond is rapper Lil Jon's missing son.
Updated at 5:57 p.m.
MILTON, GA — Police say they may have located the body of Nathan Smith, the 27-year-old son of Atlanta rapper-producer Lil Jon, after he disappeared from his Milton home three days ago.
Milton Police said divers with Cherokee County Fire and Rescue Services found the body around 11:53 a.m. Friday while teams searched a pond in Mayfield Park near Smith’s home. The fire department confirmed the recovery to Patch.
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"The individual is believed to be Nathan Smith, pending official confirmation by the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office," police said in a news release.
The rapper seemed to confirm the death of his son in social media posts late Friday afternoon, who said he is heartbroken by the loss.
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"THIS HURTS SO BAD. I LOVE YOU SON," Lil Jon wrote on Facebook.
Though foul play was not expected in the death, police said investigators will keep the case open and active.
Police said they will not release further details, pending an official cause and manner of death and the examination of all investigative leads.
"We extend our deepest condolences to the Smith family during this difficult time. The department respectfully asks the community and members of the media to honor the family’s request for privacy as they grieve and navigate this tragedy," police said in the release.
RELATED: Rapper Lil Jon's Son Missing In Metro Atlanta
Smith, who performs under the stage name DJ Young Slade, was last seen in the area of Baldwin Drive and Mayfield Road. He disappeared from his home "under unusual circumstances" around 6 a.m. Tuesday, police said.
"Subject left on foot and does not possess a phone. He may be disoriented and in need of assistance. Family and friends are concerned for his safety," police said on a missing persons flier.
Despite search efforts, police said they were initially unable to locate Smith.
The publicist of Lil Jon, whose real name is Jonathan Smith, previously released a statement to CBS News Atlanta "asking for privacy" amid his son's disappearance, the news outlet reported.
The Grammy-winning artist has honored his son in a series of social media posts.
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