Lil Jon’s son Nathan Smith drowned while under the influence of psilocybin mushrooms, according to new autopsy results.
On February 6, Smith’s body was discovered from a reservoir near his home in Milton, Georgia. The Fulton County Medical Examiner determined that Smith’s death was accidental.
Smith, who plays DJ Young Slade, disappeared from his residence on February 3 at the age of 27, in what police described as “unusual circumstances.”
The hip-hop producer and New York University graduate had been missing for three days before divers found his body in Mayfield Park. A forensic report confirmed the official cause of death was drowning due to psilocybin use.
An autopsy revealed that the blood sample tested positive for psilocybin, an active compound found in hallucinogenic mushrooms. Police said Smith left on foot without his cellphone, “ran out of the house and has since been missing.”
When family and friends reported him missing to the Milton Police Department, they expressed concern for his safety.
Initial efforts failed to locate Smith, and the search expanded to a pond near Smith’s home. Cherokee County Fire Department divers discovered the body around 11:53 a.m. on February 6 and found water-soaked wrinkles on his hands.
Lil Jon released a statement calling Nathan “the kindest man you’ll ever meet” and praising his son’s talents as a music producer and artist. The rapper said Nathan was “so caring, considerate, polite, warm and enthusiastic” in his tribute to his only child.
Smith is the son of Lil Jon and ex-wife Nicole Smith, who amicably divorced in 2022 after 18 years of marriage. The “Yeah” hitmaker laid his son to rest on February 18, which happened to be the first day of Ramadan.
Lil Jon wrote in his final tribute: “I love you, son. Life will never be the same without you. Allah, please give me strength.”
Police found no signs of foul play while investigating Smith’s disappearance and death.
Lil Jon thanked supporters who “sent their condolences, love and prayers” and pledged to make sure “the world knows your talent and never forgets your name.”
