The United Cajun Navy, a volunteer search group, has publicly denied ever speaking with attorney Ben Crump, despite his assertions that the group provided him with information about the condition of Nolan Wells' body when it was discovered. Crump had stated at a press conference that the Cajun Navy informed him that Wells was found "fully clothed."
In a social media post, the United Cajun Navy stated, "He [Crump] said UCN told ‘us’ Nolan was fully clothed-not true. We have never spoken with Crump, and we certainly didn’t tell the parents anything like that." The group further asserted that Wells was only wearing swim trunks when found, calling Crump's statements a "manufactured distraction."
Crump had suggested that the state of dress of 18-year-old Wells when his body was recovered on July 6 could be a significant factor in determining the cause of his death. Wells went missing on July 4 during a boat outing with friends off the Mississippi coast and his body was found two days later with assistance from the United Cajun Navy. A video taken shortly before his disappearance showed Wells in swim trunks, leading Crump to emphasize the importance of his attire when found.
The Cajun Navy clarified earlier statements made by their founder and president, Todd Terrell, on the "Nancy Grace Show." Terrell had initially responded affirmatively when asked if Wells was found "fully clothed." He later corrected himself, explaining that he meant Wells was clothed in swim trunks and that his response should have been clearer. The group reiterated this clarification in their recent post, emphasizing that Wells was found wearing only swim trunks.