Cause of Death Released for Lil Jon’s Son Nathan Smith

Nathan Smith, the 27-year-old son of rapper Lil Jon, was found deceased on Feb. 6 in Milton, Georgia. Now, three weeks later his cause of death has been released.

Smith’s death was ruled accidental, People and E! News reported after obtaining a copy the autopsy report from the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office on Friday, Feb. 27.

The medical examiner listed Smith’s cause of death as “drowning in the setting of psilocybin use.” The report said Smith’s blood tested positive for “a pharmacologically active hallucinogenic compound of psilocybin — hallucinogenic mushrooms.”

Psilocybin mushrooms, also known as magic mushrooms, affect “brain areas involved in introspective thinking” and create a “surreal experience,” according to the Washington University School of Medicine. They are sometimes used to treat mental distress.

Smith was reported missing after running out of his home on Feb. 3 around 6am, the Milton Police Department said in a statement posted to social media that day.

Police noted that he “left on foot” and was not carrying his phone. “He may be disoriented and in need of assistance,” police said.

Smith’s body was found after three days in a nearby pond on Feb. 6, according to police.

“After being unable to locate Mr. Smith during that time, teams expanded the search to include a pond in Mayfield Park near Smith’s Milton residence,” police said.

Divers were called in from the Cherokee County Fire Department. The recovered the body and family members were notified.

Smith worked in the music industry and was known professionally as DJ Young Slade. In a 2025 interview with the YouTube lifestyle channel Lenox & Parker, he said he was a DJ, music producer, artist and engineer.

Lil Jon released a statement on social media after 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,” the statement read. “Nathan was the kindest human being you would ever meet. He was immensely caring, thoughtful, polite, passionate, and warmhearted — he loved his family and friends in his life to the fullest.”

The Grammy Award-winning rapper, born Jonathan Smith, later told his followers that family members held funeral services and said goodbye to Nathan on Feb. 18.

“I love you, son. Life will never be the same without you. Allah, give me strength,” Lil Jon shared on Instagram. “Also thank you to everyone who has reached out with condolences, love, and prayers we appreciate you all. I will make sure the world knows your talent and never forgets your name. Nathan Murray Smith.”