A multi-agency search concluded Monday with the discovery of the body of 18-year-old Nolan Xavier Wells, a college football player who had been reported missing after a July 4th boating excursion off the coast of Mississippi. Wells was last seen around 3 p.m. on July 4th near the northwest tip of Horn Island.

His mother, Christine Wonsley, reported him missing early Sunday morning. The search for Wells involved the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department, the Department of Marine Resources, the Gulf Islands National Seashore, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the United Cajun Navy.

On Monday at 8:45 a.m., a park ranger found a body on the northwest end of Horn Island. While not immediately identified, Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter stated there was no reason to believe it was not Wells. Wonsley confirmed her son's death on social media Monday afternoon, expressing heartbreak and calling him a "special soul."

The Jackson County coroner is proceeding with official identification through DNA testing. The cause and manner of Wells's death have not yet been released, and authorities have not commented on whether foul play is suspected.

Wells's mother posted the haunting photos on Facebook, which show Wells and his friends enjoying themselves during the holiday

During the search, Wonsley shared photos of Wells celebrating the holiday with friends and appealed to the public for any information that could aid in locating him. Gautier Mayor Casey Vaughan also requested public assistance, urging anyone who was on Horn Island on July 4th or who may have seen Wells to contact authorities.

Following the discovery of his body, Wonsley extended gratitude to all agencies, volunteers, and community members who assisted in the search. The United Cajun Navy, a disaster relief organization, offered condolences to Wells's family and friends, noting it was an honor to participate in the search alongside various agencies and volunteers.

Wells was a beloved student athlete footballer who had played for his high school's team and recently began playing for Southwest Mississippi Community College's team

Wells was a student athlete who played football for Southwest Mississippi Community College, having previously been a player for Ocean Springs High School. Jake Bramlett, Ocean Springs's head football coach, described Wells as a "son, teammate, friend and student that every coach hopes to have," and noted his humility, respect for others, hard work, and leadership. Dr. J Steven Bishop, Southwest Mississippi Community College President, stated that the college community is heartbroken over the loss of Wells, remembering him as a well-respected and popular young man.