JACKSON COUNTY, Miss. — A body believed to be that of a missing 18-year-old Mississippi man was recovered Monday morning on Horn Island, bringing an end to a multi-agency search that began over the Independence Day weekend.
According to Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter, the body was discovered around 8:45 a.m. on the island’s northwest end by a park ranger.
Jackson County Coroner Bruce Lynd said DNA testing will be conducted to officially confirm the identity, but investigators have no reason to believe the body is anyone other than Nolan Xavier Wells. The sheriff said the individual also matched Wells’ description.
Wells’ family acknowledged his death in social media posts Monday.
Authorities said Wells was reported missing late Saturday after traveling to Horn Island with friends by small boat for the Fourth of July holiday. Investigators said he was last seen about 3 p.m. Saturday on the barrier island.
The search involved the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department, the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources, Gulf Islands National Seashore personnel, the U.S. Coast Guard and the United Cajun Navy.
Ledbetter said there is no evidence at this time that drugs or alcohol played a role in the incident. Additional information is expected following the completion of the coroner’s investigation and toxicology testing.
Wells was a football player who attended Ocean Springs High School before continuing his athletic career at Southwest Mississippi Community College.
In a statement, Ocean Springs High School football coach Jake Bramlett remembered Wells as a respectful, humble and hardworking young man whose leadership extended beyond the football field. Principal Dr. Jacob Dykes also praised Wells’ character, describing him as a kind student who made a lasting impact on classmates, teachers and coaches.
Southwest Mississippi Community College President Dr. J. Steven Bishop said the campus community is mourning Wells’ death and announced that professional counselors and local ministers would be available to support students and teammates returning to campus.
This story was compiled from reporting by WLOX and statements from Jackson County officials.
