The search for missing Mississippi football player Nolan Wells concluded Monday with the discovery of a body authorities believe to be the 18-year-old. Wells vanished Saturday afternoon while on a boating trip with friends on Horn Island, a barrier island located approximately 10 miles off the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter reported that a body was found around 8:45 a.m. Monday near the west end of Horn Island. The discovery was made following a two-day search effort.
"It does match the description" of Wells, Sheriff Ledbetter stated.
Nolan Wells' mother, Christine Wonsley, expressed her devastation in a Facebook post, remembering her son as a "special soul." She extended gratitude to family, friends, the community, the United Cajun Navy, and local law enforcement for their support and resources during the search.
"His father, our family, friends and I are absolutely devastated. My heartbroken for my sweet son who was always willing to cheer and uplift others," Wonsley wrote. "Nolan was a special soul, God took his time creating our son. I ask that you please give me and my family time to grieve."
Wells was a wide receiver for Southwest Mississippi Community College. Photos shared by his mother on social media showed him with friends on a boat on the day he disappeared, wearing blue swim trunks and sunglasses.