The cause of passing for Nathan Smith, son of Lil Jon, has been officially determined. According to an autopsy report obtained by People, the Fulton County Medical Examiner ruled that the 27-year-old’s passing was due to “drowning in the setting of psilocybin use,” and the manner was classified as an accident.
A blood sample tested positive for psilocybin, a hallucinogenic compound found in psychedelic mushrooms. The autopsy also confirmed that his body was recovered from a retention pond and noted findings consistent with water immersion. Authorities previously stated there was no indication of foul play.
Disappearance Sparked Community Search
Smith, who performed under the name DJ Young Slade, was first reported missing on Feb. 3 after leaving his Milton, Georgia home under what the Milton Police Department described as “unusual circumstances,” according to People. He was last seen around 6 a.m. in the vicinity of Baldwin Drive and Mayfield Road. Police said he ran out of the house on foot without his phone and may have been disoriented and in need of assistance.
After being unable to locate him, search teams expanded their efforts to include a nearby pond at Mayfield Park. On Feb. 6, divers with the Cherokee County Fire Department recovered a body from the water, which was later believed to be Smith pending official confirmation from the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office. At the time, police reiterated there was no sign of foul play, though the case remained open as part of standard procedure.
A Father’s Heartbreak and Tribute
Following the heartbreaking development earlier this month, Lil Jon, born Jonathan Smith, confirmed his son’s passing in a statement to People. “I am extremely heartbroken for the tragic loss of our son, Nathan Smith. His mother and I are devastated,” he said.
The rapper described Nathan as “the kindest human being you would ever meet,” calling him immensely caring, thoughtful, polite and passionate. He also praised his son’s accomplishments, noting that he was an “amazingly talented young man; a music producer, an artist and engineer, and graduate of NYU.”
Nathan was the son of Lil Jon and his ex-wife Nicole Smith, whom he married in 2004. The former couple announced in February 2024 that they had amicably separated two years prior.
On Feb. 19, Lil Jon shared an emotional Instagram tribute revealing that his son had been laid to rest on Feb. 18, the first day of Ramadan. Alongside photos spanning Nathan’s life, the artist asked for prayers for his family and vowed to honor his son’s legacy. “I love you, son. Life will never be the same without you,” he wrote. “I will make sure the world knows your talent and never forgets your name. Nathan Murray Smith.”
