The sheriff leading the investigation into the disappearance and death of 18-year-old Nolan Wells has cautioned against rushing the probe, as speculation intensifies over the circumstances of the promising football player's final moments. Wells' body was discovered last Monday, two days after he vanished during a Fourth of July boating excursion with friends.
Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter emphasized that a thorough and factual investigation is paramount for Wells' family. "Nolan Wells' family deserves a thorough and factual investigation, and that's exactly what they're going to get," Ledbetter told ABC News. He added that while diligence is crucial, the investigation will not adhere to a specific timetable. The sheriff also issued an appeal for any information, no matter how seemingly insignificant, that could aid investigators.
Wells, a wide receiver for Southwest Mississippi Community College, had traveled to Horn Island with friends. Initially, Ledbetter suspected Wells might have remained on the island voluntarily. However, this account is contradicted by one of Wells' companions.
Jayvon Williams, who was with Wells on July 4, stated, "I've never known Nolan to stay back while his friends leave. He's always been a guy where if he rode with you, he's going to come back with you." Another individual present, 20-year-old Tracestin Shepherd, acknowledged that the group had been drinking, despite being underage. Sheriff Ledbetter confirmed that rumors have been brought to the attention of investigators, but declined to comment further, stating that the department acts on factual information and firsthand witness accounts.
The official cause of Wells' death remains unconfirmed, though drowning is suspected pending autopsy results. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump announced that an independent autopsy would be conducted, vowing to uncover the truth for Wells' family. Crump voiced concerns echoed by Wells' mother, Christine Wonsley, about the swift assumption of accidental drowning and potential discrepancies in the timeline of when Wells' body was found.
"His body should have been there on July 5," Crump said. "Why would it not appear until July 6? If he stayed back on the island, there were boats there. There were people. It's just not adding up."
Reports and a viral video suggesting Wells was involved in a dispute before his disappearance have been downplayed by Shepherd. He claimed that any shouting heard was him, stating, "It's me yelling – my exact word is 'Get me off this f–king boat.' I wanted to fight, and I'd felt like I hadn't had my fair share." He explained the confrontation stemmed from an argument with his girlfriend when another man interjected.
![A person holds up a sign that says "JUSTICE FOR NOLAN!"]( "A person holds up a sign that says "JUSTICE FOR NOLAN!" with a black and white photo of Nolan Xavier Wells.")
