MILTON, Ga. — Search teams in Milton recovered a body Friday afternoon that is believed to be Nathan Smith, the missing son of rapper and producer Lil Jon, authorities confirmed. The discovery comes days after Nathan was first reported missing, bringing a somber turn to an intensive search effort.

In an update released just before noon, the Milton Police Department said divers with the Cherokee County Fire Department located and recovered a body from a pond near the intersection of Baldwin Drive and Mayfield Road. The area is the same location where Nathan Smith was last seen and where authorities have been focusing their search since Tuesday.

Police said the body has not yet been formally identified through forensic testing, but circumstances at the scene strongly suggest it is Smith. Officials stated that the family has been notified and that the investigation is now shifting toward confirming the identity and determining the exact cause of death.

Nathan Smith was reported missing earlier this week after concerns were raised about his whereabouts. Since then, multiple agencies had been assisting in the search, including police officers, firefighters, and dive teams. The effort included ground searches, water searches, and the use of specialized equipment in and around the pond.

Authorities have not released details about what may have led to Smith’s disappearance or how long he may have been in the water. Police emphasized that the investigation remains active and that additional information will be shared once the medical examiner completes an autopsy.

The recovery has sparked an outpouring of sympathy for Smith’s family and loved ones. As investigators continue their work, officials are asking the public to respect the family’s privacy during this difficult time. Anyone with information related to the case is encouraged to contact the Milton Police Department as the investigation moves forward.