The search for Nolan Xavier Wells, an 18-year-old Mississippi teen who went missing over the Fourth of July holiday weekend, has been suspended after a body matching his description was found Monday morning. Officials confirmed the discovery in the water off the northwest end of Horn Island.
Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter stated that the recovered body "does match the description" of Wells, though official identification is still pending. The grassroots volunteer group United Cajun Navy announced the cessation of search operations, extending condolences to Wells' family and friends.
Wells was last seen on July 4th near Horn Island while boating with friends. A photograph provided to authorities showed the teen smiling with companions on a boat that afternoon. Search teams from multiple agencies, including the Jackson County Sheriff's Department, Department of Marine Resources, Gulf Islands National Seashore, and the U.S. Coast Guard, had been combing the island and surrounding waters. A centralized command post was established at the Lake Mars Boat Launch in Ocean Springs to coordinate the multi-agency effort.
Wells' mother, Christine Wonsley, shared an emotional message on Facebook following the recovery, expressing devastation and describing her son as a "special soul" who was always willing to uplift others. She also issued a warning to the community about online scammers attempting to capitalize on the tragedy, stating that no GoFundMe page had been created by the family or their associates.
Before the body was recovered, Wells' family had posted pleas for any photos or videos from July 4th that could help track his last known movements, conveying their heartbreak and desperate hope for his safe return. The United Cajun Navy, which provided aerial search operations and boat support, expressed gratitude for being entrusted to assist in the search and asked for continued prayers for Wells' loved ones.