OCEAN SPRINGS, Miss. (WLOX) — The body of 18-year-old Nolan Xavier Wells was found in the water just off the northwestern tip of Horn Island Monday morning, according to Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter.
Around 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jackson County Coroner Bruce Lynd confirmed to WLOX News that the body found was Wells, according to dental records.
The cause and manner of death haven’t been released. Investigators told ABC News they suspect that Wells drowned, but they are continuing the investigation.
An autopsy was performed Tuesday by the state medical examiner, but officials say it could take “a couple weeks” to receive results, which will include a toxicology report.
Here’s what we know about the timeline of events leading up to Wells’ discovery and what happened afterward.
Wells traveled to Horn Island with a group of friends to celebrate Independence Day. The boat left from a private dock in the Ocean Springs area, according to Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter.
Wells was last seen near the island around 3 p.m., according to Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO).
Wells did not return on the same boat as the group.
“From what we understand, he chose to stay there,” Sheriff Ledbetter told Good Morning America.
Wells’ mother contacted JCSO Saturday evening around midnight to report that her son had not come home.
At 12:26 p.m., Coast Guard Sector Mobile said it received a request for assistance from JCSO in search of a missing person in the vicinity of Horn Island. The Coast Guard said an urgent marine information broadcast was issued, and a helicopter was sent to search the area.
At 12:31 p.m., JCSO issued a press release saying it was searching for Nolan Xavier Wells, described as an 18-year-old Black male, approximately 6′1″ and weighing 180 pounds. He was last seen on Horn Island on Saturday, July 4, wearing blue swim trunks, no shirt and sunglasses.
READ: SEEN HIM? Authorities seeking information about Ocean Springs teen last seen on Horn Island
At 5:54 p.m., JCSO established a command post at the Lake Mars Boat Launch.
Sheriff John Ledbetter said multiple agencies joined the search for Wells, including the Gulf Islands National Seashore, U.S. National Park Service, U.S. Coast Guard, Mississippi Department of Marine Resources and Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks.
Other agencies joined in, including the Biloxi Fire Department, which had a boat out, the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office, Jackson County Fire Service, and the United Cajun Navy.
United Cajun Navy aircraft took to the air just before 6 a.m. Monday.
Search boats were deployed again, with the last vessels leaving just before 8 a.m.
Around 8:45 a.m., Sheriff Ledbetter confirmed authorities received a call reporting a body found at the northwestern tip of Horn Island. The body was discovered by a U.S. Park Service ranger.
Wells’ family was asked to come to the Lake Mars Boat Launch, where they were met by Sheriff Ledbetter and Coroner Bruce Lynd.
Just after 11 a.m., the family was taken to the coroner’s office in Pascagoula to identify the body.
While talking with WLOX News on the phone, Coroner Bruce Lynd said that he “had no reason to believe it wasn’t him,” but said he would wait for official DNA results before making a formal announcement. He said an autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday, July 7 at the Mississippi State Medical Examiner’s Office Coast Lab.
Just before 1 p.m., Wells’ family confirmed his death on social media. His mother posted on Facebook confirming that Wells was the person found on Horn Island.
READ: Family identifies body found on Horn Island as 18-year-old Nolan Wells
Just before 2 p.m., WLOX learned Wells’ family has retained nationally renowned civil rights and personal injury attorney Ben Crump, calling for a thorough and transparent investigation into how Wells died.
“Attorney Crump and the legal team will conduct an independent review of the circumstances of Nolan’s death and will press for the timely release of all records, witness accounts, and autopsy findings,” a press release by Ben Crump read.
Around 2 p.m. Tuesday, Coroner Bruce Lynd confirmed to WLOX News that the body found was Wells, according to dental records.
Just after 3:30 p.m., JCSO issued a press release, asking anyone with original photos, videos, or eyewitness accounts related to Nolan Wells or any “unusual activity” from Horn Island on July 4 to contact them at 228-769-3065 during regular business hours, or 228-769-3063 after hours.
Sheriff Ledbetter said the investigation is active but asked the public to allow time for the case to develop and the family to grieve following the news of Wells’ death.
“Number one, give the family space and time. They are still processing this tragic event, and all of Nolan’s close friends. And we’re still waiting for 100% confirmation,” Sheriff Ledbetter said. “I’ll assure you that the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, we’re looking at this whole case just like we would any other case. And we’re going to be as thorough as we can.”
Investigators told Good Morning America they suspect that Wells drowned, but they are still interviewing friends who were with him, as they work to pinpoint what exactly happened.
“That’s why we’re still asking for information, if anybody has anything, any knowledge,” Sheriff Ledbetter told GMA.
If you have any information, contact JCSO at 228-769-3063.
Ledbetter said there is currently no indication of drug or alcohol use, but the coroner would have more information following the investigation and toxicology report.
We will update you on air and online as new information becomes available.
Wells played football at Ocean Springs High School and Southwest Mississippi Community College.
“We are devastated by Nolan’s passing,” said Jake Bramlett, Ocean Springs head football coach. “He was the kind of son, teammate, friend and student that every coach hopes to have in a program… Nolan was so much more than an outstanding football player. He carried himself with humility, treated others with respect, worked hard and led by example. His character spoke louder than his accomplishments, and he was loved deeply by his teammates and coaches. Our football family is grieving alongside Nolan’s parents, family, friends, classmates, teammates and all who loved him.”
“Nolan was a remarkable student, teammate and brother,” said Ocean Springs High School Principal Dr. Jacob Dykes. “He will be remembered as an extremely kind and hardworking young man who left a lasting impression on his teachers, coaches, teammates and community. Our thoughts are with his family and the many people he made a lasting impact on around him.”
“The entire Southwest family is heartbroken as we mourn the tragic loss of Nolan Wells,” said Southwest Mississippi CC President Dr. J. Steven Bishop. “We remember Nolan as a well-respected young man who was very popular among friends, faculty, and staff. We loved Nolan, and he will be greatly missed in many ways. Our continued prayers will be with the Wells family now and in the days to come. Professional counselors and local ministers will be available to assist teammates and friends as they return to campus [Monday]. May God lead and guide all involved during this difficult time.”
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