Nolan Wells update: timeline of his disappearance and death
The latest nolan wells update: authorities say 18-year-old Nolan Xavier Wells went missing after a July 4 trip to Mississippi’s Horn Island and was later found dead in the water near the island’s northwestern tip. His identity was confirmed via dental records, and the cause of death remains pending autopsy results.
Key Takeaways
- Nolan Xavier Wells was last seen on Horn Island on July 4, according to officials.
- A U.S. Park Service ranger found a body in the water near the island’s northwestern tip on July 6, officials said.
- His family confirmed his death the same day; the coroner later confirmed identification by dental records.
- Authorities say the cause and manner of death have not been released; investigators have said they suspect drowning.
- Autopsy and toxicology results may take weeks, per officials.
What happened to Nolan Wells, and what do we know right now?
Nolan Xavier Wells, 18, from Ocean Springs, Mississippi, disappeared after spending Independence Day weekend on Horn Island, a barrier island about 10 miles from the Gulf Coast, according to ABC News and WLOX. A multi-agency search followed. On the morning of July 6, officials said a body was found in the water off the island’s northwestern tip.
Investigators have not released a cause or manner of death. ABC News reported investigators said they suspect Wells drowned, while emphasizing the investigation is ongoing.
When was Nolan Wells last seen, and when was he reported missing?
WLOX reported officials said Wells was last seen on Horn Island on July 4 at around 3 p.m. The same WLOX reporting says Wells’ mother contacted the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office late Saturday night, around midnight, to report he had not come home.
Authorities have asked for patience as they develop the case and for space for those grieving, WLOX reported.
When and where was his body found—and how was he identified?
WLOX reported the Jackson County Sheriff said authorities received a call at about 8:45 a.m. on July 6 about a body found at the northwestern tip of Horn Island, and that a U.S. Park Service ranger discovered the body. Wells’ family publicly confirmed his death later that day, including a Facebook post from his mother, Christine Wonsley, according to WLOX and Mississippi Free Press.
On July 7, Jackson County Coroner Bruce Lynd confirmed to WLOX that the body was Wells, based on dental records. Earlier, the coroner said there was “no reason to believe it wasn’t him” while awaiting official testing, WLOX and Mississippi Free Press reported.
What are investigators doing now, and what questions are still open?
WLOX reported an autopsy was performed by the state medical examiner, and officials said results—including a toxicology report—could take “a couple weeks.” WLOX also reported the sheriff said there was currently no indication of drug or alcohol use, while noting more information would come from the investigation and toxicology.
ABC News reported the family retained attorney Ben Crump and is calling for a “thorough and transparent investigation” into how Wells died. If you’re following ongoing coverage in this space, you can find more cases in our True Crime & Unsolved Mysteries section.
For the primary timeline and official statements cited above, see WLOX’s reporting here, and ABC News’ summary here.