Rapper Lil Jon has shared a heartfelt goodbye to his son, Nathan Smith, 27, as he was laid to rest shortly after his death.
Nathan went missing on Tuesday, February 3, leading to a frantic search by family and authorities after it was reported he left home under unusual circumstances without his phone.
Despite hopes for his safe return, Nathan was discovered deceased in a pond on Friday, February 6, not far from his home.
Two weeks later, Lil Jon posted an emotional tribute to his son online, sharing photos of Nathan’s life and confirming that a funeral service had been conducted to honor him.
In his post, Lil Jon noted that Nathan’s funeral took place on Wednesday, February 18, coinciding with the start of Ramadan, which is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, observed as a time of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community by Muslims around the world.
He expressed, “In this holy month, I’m asking for extra du’a for him and for our family. Please pray that Allah grants him Jannah and grants us sabr, mercy, and strength. I love you, son. Life will never be the same without you. Allah, give me strength.”
Lil Jon also thanked fans and loved ones for their support and condolences, writing: “I will make sure the world knows your talent and never forgets your name. Nathan Murray Smith.”
This tribute follows an earlier post by Lil Jon on February 6, where he spoke about the loss of his son. At that time, he stated: “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,” he added. “He was an amazingly talented young man; a music producer, an artist and engineer, and graduate of NYU.”
“We loved Nathan with all of our hearts and are incredibly proud of him. He was loved and appreciated, and in our last times together we’re comforted in knowing that we expressed that very sentiment to him.”
The Milton Police Department (MPD) reported Nathan’s death on February 6, releasing a statement about the incident.
“On the morning of February 3, 2026, Milton Police Department officers responded to a report of a missing adult in the area of Baldwin Drive in Milton, Georgia,” the statement began.
“Responding officers determined that a Milton resident, Nathan Smith, had left his residence under unusual circumstances and could not be located.
“The Milton Police Department immediately began search efforts and coordinated with multiple partner agencies that assisted in searching for Mr. Smith over the following several days.
“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.
“On February 6, 2026, at approximately 11:53 a.m., divers with the Cherokee County Fire Department located and recovered a body from the pond.”
They also stated that no foul play was suspected and extended their condolences to the family. “We extend our deepest condolences to the Smith family during this difficult time,” MPD said. “The department respectfully asks the community and members of the media to honor the family’s request for privacy as they grieve and navigate this tragedy.”