Body found in search for missing US teen
Nolan Xavier Wells, 18, had visited Horn Island, Mississippi, on Saturday July 4 with friends before he vanished.
Body found in search for missing US teen
Nolan’s heartbroken mother has asked for privacy while his family grieves their “sweet son.”
STORY BY MELISSA SIGODO
JULY 7, 2026
A body has been found in the search for a teenage football player who disappeared during Fourth of July celebrations.
Nolan Xavier Wells, 18, had visited Horn Island, Mississippi, on Saturday July 4 and is said to have vanished around 3pm after a boat trip with friends, according to local reports.
His mother then reported him missing later that night sparking a “massive search” involving numerous authorities.
A body believed to be that of the teen was then found around 8:45 a.m. on July 6 in the water near the northwest end of Horn Island by a park ranger.
Although formal identification has yet to take place, the boy’s family wrote on social media stating that Nolan had died.
Nolan’s mother Christine expressed her devastation at losing her son as she asked for privacy to grieve.
On Facebook, she wrote: “I want to thank our family, friends, community, United Cajun Navy, local law enforcement, and everyone involved for all the love, support, resources over the last few days.
“His father Elmore Wonsley, our family, friends and I are absolutely devastated.
“My heart is broken for our sweet son who was always willing to cheer and uplift others. Nolan was a special soul, God took his time creating our son. I ask that you all please give me and my family privacy as we grieve. Thank you all again. God bless.”
Officials have not yet released details around the circumstances of his death and an investigation remains ongoing.
Nolan’s cause of his death will be determined by the Jackson County Coroner office following an autopsy.