Roomies, Lil Jon and his family have been facing an unthinkable situation that has had many holding their breath over the past few days. What started as a growing concern around his son, Nathan Smith, quickly turned into an intense search that drew in multiple agencies and the surrounding community. Now, devastating news has confirmed their worst fears, with loved ones requesting prayers and privacy.
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Nathan Smith’s Body Found In Pond Near Home
Milton police say a body confirmed to be that of Lil Jon’s missing son, Nathan Smith, was recovered Friday from a pond near his home. As previously reported, authorities were first called to the Baldwin Drive area on the morning of February 3 after receiving a report of a missing adult. Lastly, police said Smith had left his residence under unusual circumstances and could not be located. Thus, prompting an immediate and wide-ranging search involving multiple law enforcement and emergency agencies.
Lil Jon Confirms Son’s Passing After Days-Long Search
Lil Jon has since broken his silence, sharing a heartbreaking statement confirming the loss of his son and honoring his life.
“I am extremely heartbroken for the tragic loss of our son, Nathan Smith. 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,” the rapper said.
He went on to praise Nathan as “an amazingly talented young man; a music producer, an artist and engineer, and a graduate of NYU.” He added that he and Nicole take comfort in having expressed their love to him. Furthermore, they also thanked the Milton Police Department for their efforts during the search, a moment that has many sending prayers and condolences to the family.
No Foul Play Suspected As Investigation Continues
During the search, investigators expanded their efforts to nearby Mayfield Park, close to Smith’s home, focusing on a pond in the area. Unfortunately, on February 6, around 11:53 a.m., divers with the Cherokee County Fire Department recovered a body from the water. Officials confirmed the body recovered is Nathan Smith, with formal identification pending from the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office.
At this time, police say there is no indication of foul play, but the case remains open and active as investigators await the medical examiner’s determination of the cause and manner of death. Dive teams and K-9 units worked around the pond during the search, while authorities have not yet released details about what they recovered. In a statement to CBS News Atlanta, a spokesperson for the Smith family asked for privacy as they grieve and requested continued prayers for Nathan, sentiments echoed by police as they extended their condolences during this difficult time.
