The body of rapper Lil Jon's 27-year-old son was found near his Georgia home days after he was reported missing, police and his family said.
Nathan Smith, who goes by the name DJ Young Slade, was reported missing Tuesday morning after he was last seen running out of his home in Milton. The body was located in a pond near the residence, police said Friday.
The medical examiner's office will make the official confirmation and will determine the cause and manner of death.
"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 a statement on Instagram, the "Turn Down For What" rapper — whose real name is Jonathan Smith — confirmed the news of his son's death.
“I am extremely heartbroken for the tragic loss of our son, Nathan Smith. His mother (Nicole Smith) and I are devastated," Lil Jon wrote. "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," the statement said. "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 were comforted in knowing that we expressed that very sentiment to him."
"Thank you for all of the prayers and support in trying to locate him over the last several days," Lil Jon said.
Officers were called to Smith's home around 6 a.m. Tuesday. Police said Smith was last seen running out of his residence, and he may have been disoriented and in need of assistance. In Friday's update, police said he left home "under unusual circumstances," but foul play was not suspected.
The case is still open and active, Milton police said in a statement.
