Lil Jon’s son Nathan Smith drowned after taking psilocybin, autopsy reveals

Key facts

• Nathan Smith, 27, died by drowning in the setting of psilocybin use, ruled an accident.
• His body was recovered from a pond near his home in Milton, Georgia, on February 6, 2026.
• missing on February 3, 2026, after running out of his home without his phone.
• Blood tests detected psilocybin, a hallucinogenic compound from magic mushrooms.
• Smith was a music producer, artist, engineer, and NYU graduate who performed as DJ Young Slade.
• Lil Jon and Nicole Smith, Nathan’s mother, separated in 2022 after marrying in 2004.
• Lil Jon shared a final father-son trip to Japan in 2024 for Nathan’s birthday.
• Nathan’s single 'Feels' premiered on MTV in March 2025.

Autopsy confirms drowning after psilocybin ingestion

The Fulton County Medical Examiner’s office has determined that Nathan Smith, the 27-year-old son of rapper Lil Jon, died by drowning in the setting of psilocybin use. The manner of death was ruled an accident. Blood tests revealed the presence of psilocybin, a pharmacologically active hallucinogenic compound found in so-called magic mushrooms. The autopsy report, obtained by multiple outlets, listed the cause as “drowning in the setting of psilocybin use.” Smith’s body was recovered from a pond in Mayfield Park, near his home in Milton, Georgia, on February 6, three days after he was reported missing. The Cherokee County Fire Department divers located and retrieved the body.

A missing person report and a frantic search

missing to the Milton Police Department on February 3, 2026, after he ran out of his home without his phone around 6 a.m. Police described the circumstances as “unusual” and stated that he “may be disoriented and in need of assistance.” A search ensued, and on February 6, divers found a body in a pond at Mayfield Park, which authorities believed to be Smith. The Fulton County Medical Examiner’s office later confirmed his identity. Police said there was no indication of foul play, though the case remained an open and active investigation pending the cause of death report.

Lil Jon’s public grief and final tribute

Lil Jon, whose real name is Jonathan H. Smith, confirmed his son’s death in a statement shared with media. “I am extremely heartbroken for the tragic loss of my son, Nathan Smith. His mother and I are devastated,” he said. He described Nathan as “the kindest human being you would ever meet” and “immensely caring, thoughtful, polite, passionate, and warmhearted.” On February 19, the first day of Ramadan, the family laid Nathan to rest. Lil Jon posted a memorial video on Instagram, writing, “On the first day of Ramadan yesterday, We laid my only son to rest. In this holy month, I’m asking for extra du’a for him and for our family.” He added, “Life will never be the same without you. Allah, give me strength.” In May, Lil Jon shared footage from a final father-son trip to Japan, taken two years earlier for Nathan’s birthday. “I had no idea that trip would become our final father-and-son trip… or his favorite one ever,” the rapper wrote. He urged followers to “love your people hard. You never know when it’s the last hug.”

A rising DJ and musician following his father’s path

Nathan Smith, who performed under the stage name DJ Young Slade or simply Slade, was a musician and producer who aimed to carve his own lane while honoring his father’s legacy. He started DJing at age 11 and graduated from the Scratch DJ Academy in Los Angeles at 12. As a teenager, he played at clubs in Los Angeles before producing his own music. He graduated from New York University and released a single called “Move Thru Fire” after college, which Lil Jon promoted on Instagram. In March 2025, his track “Feels” premiered on MTV. In an interview with The Quintessential Gentleman, Smith said, “It’s dope to appreciate my dad, show respect, and just look at all the things he’s done, and it’s nice to get the torch passed down and do my own thing.”

Family background and the rapper’s other children

Lil Jon and Nicole Smith married in 2004 and separated in 2022. Nathan was their only son. The rapper also has a daughter, Nahara, with his girlfriend Jamila Sozahdah. Lil Jon, 55, is known for hits like “Get Low” and “Yeah!” and has been a prominent figure in hip-hop and crunk music since the early 2000s. His son’s death has drawn widespread attention, with fans and fellow artists offering condolences. The Fulton County Medical Examiner’s office has not released further details about the autopsy. The Milton Police Department’s investigation remains open, though no additional suspects or charges are expected.

The broader toll of psilocybin and accidental drownings

Psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms, is classified as a Schedule I substance in the United States, though it has gained attention for potential therapeutic uses in controlled settings. The autopsy finding highlights the risks of unsupervised use, particularly when combined with activities near water. Accidental drownings under the influence of hallucinogens are rare but documented. The case of Nathan Smith adds a high-profile example to a small but tragic category. psilocybin can cause disorientation, impaired judgment, and altered perception of reality, which may lead to fatal accidents. Smith’s death has prompted discussions about the dangers of psychedelic substances, even as some states move toward decriminalization or legalization for medical use. For the family, the loss remains raw. Lil Jon’s public messages emphasize cherishing loved ones and creating memories, a poignant reminder of the fragility of life.

The bottom line

• Nathan Smith died from drowning after ingesting psilocybin, with the manner ruled accidental.
• He was missing for three days before his body was found in a pond near his Georgia home.
• Smith was a 27-year-old DJ and NYU graduate who performed as DJ Young Slade.
• Lil Jon has publicly mourned his son, sharing a final father-son trip to Japan and urging fans to prioritize family.
• The case underscores the risks of psilocybin use, especially near water, amid broader debates on psychedelic regulation.
• No foul play is suspected; the investigation remains open but no further action is expected.