The family of Nolan Xavier is seeking answers and has retained Ben Crump as their attorney after his body was found early Monday morning on Mississippi’s Horn Island.
Wells disappeared after celebrating the Fourth of July with friends on the barrier island. Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter said a park ranger discovered the body around 8:45 a.m. on the island’s northwest end. Jackson County Coroner Bruce Lynd said DNA testing will officially confirm the identity, but added, “There is no reason to believe it is not him,” WLOX reported.
Ledbetter said the body found did match Wells’ description, and the family also shared posts on social media confirming his death.
“I want to thank our family, friends, community, United Cajun Navy, local law enforcement, and everyone involved for all the love, support, and resources over the last few days,” his mother, Christine Wonsley, said in an emotional Facebook post Monday afternoon.
“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,” she continued.
“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.”
A GoFundMe for funeral and memorial expenses has raised nearly all of its $210,000 goal at the time of publishing.
Users on social media have quickly pointed out racial dynamics after Wonsley shared photos on Facebook, as Wells is Black and it appeared most others on the boat were white, as The Guardian reported.
Details on the dayslong search for Wells and the agencies involved
Wonsley reported her son missing late Saturday after he was last seen around 3 p.m. on Horn Island during a Fourth of July outing. Authorities said the 18-year-old Ocean Springs resident was wearing blue swim trunks, sunglasses and no shirt when he was last seen, according to an earlier news release from the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department.
The search spanned several days and involved the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department, the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources, the Gulf Islands National Seashore, the U.S. Coast Guard and the United Cajun Navy. Investigators also established a command post at the Lake Mars Boat Launch in Ocean Springs as crews searched the island and surrounding waters.
Before the body was found, investigators said they had received a photo showing Wells on Horn Island and urged anyone who spoke with him that day to contact law enforcement. Authorities said even the smallest detail could help establish his final known whereabouts before he disappeared.
Wells was a former football player at Ocean Springs High School and a wide receiver at Southwest Mississippi Community College. He was set to turn 19 next month and return to play football at Southwest Mississippi.
Authorities have not released a cause of death, as the coroner will have more information following the official autopsy report. The case remains an ongoing investigation.
Wells’ family has retained Ben Crump
His family has retained famed civil rights attorney Ben Crump as the investigation continues.
“Nolan Wells was a beloved son, teammate and friend who went out to celebrate the Fourth of July and never came home. His family deserves answers. They deserve the truth. We will not rest until every fact about what happened to Nolan on Horn Island is brought into the light, and we call on investigators to pursue this case with the urgency and transparency this family deserves,” Crump said in a press release.
The press release also states, “Attorney Crump and the legal team will conduct an independent review of the circumstances of Nolan’s death and will press for the timely release of all records, witness accounts, and autopsy findings.”
TMZ has reported on a video of an alleged altercation near where Wells’ body was found
Investigators are also reviewing a viral video that appears to show a confrontation on Horn Island on the Fourth of July. Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter told TMZ that his office is aware of the footage and is examining it as part of the ongoing investigation. Authorities have not verified the video’s authenticity or said whether the people shown have any connection to Wells’ disappearance or death.
Timeline of what we know so far
Per details released by Ben Crump:
Saturday, July 4
- Nolan Wells traveled by boat to Horn Island with a group of friends to celebrate the holiday.
- He was last seen on the island at approximately 3 p.m.
- He did not return with the rest of the group.
- That night, Nolan’s mother reported him missing to authorities.
Sunday, July 5
- A multi-agency search continued for Nolan.
- Agencies involved included the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources, and the National Park Service.
Monday, July 6
- During the morning, a U.S. park ranger found a body at the northwestern tip of Horn Island.
- Later that day, Nolan’s family confirmed his death.
- Authorities said the investigation remained active, and the cause of death had not been determined.
Tuesday, July 7
- An autopsy was scheduled.
- Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter said the investigation was ongoing pending the autopsy and other findings.
An account of what happened leading up to his disappearance, from Wells’ friend
Wells’ friends, Jayvon Williams and Trace Carter, told the Biloxi Sun-Herald about their interactions with him before the disappearance.
His best friend, 17-year-old Williams, told the Sun Herald that he had planned to ride to Horn Island with Wells, but the boat filled up, forcing him onto another one.
Williams said he saw Wells on the island and believes the last time he saw him was after 4 p.m. Saturday. He said Wells spent time talking with a girl and visiting with other friends gathered on the island. Williams also recalled that when they arrived, Wells told him, “I love you,” adding that the two had left their phones on the boat Wells rode to the island.
Williams later recovered his own phone, while Wells’ mother located her son’s phone using location services. Another friend, Trace Carter, told the newspaper he spoke with Wells before the trip and urged him to be careful. Carter said Wells replied, “I got you. I’ll hit you up later.”
Ledbetter does not believe there was foul play and says they believe Wells chose to stay back
The sheriff said they currently believe there was no indication of foul play, per ABC News, adding, “[The friends] left [Horn Island] and went back without Nolan. From what we understand, he chose to stay there.”
The NAACP has posted about Wells’ case
The NAACP posted on Instagram: “His name was Nolan Xavier Wells. He was 18. He was loved. He deserved more time. Our hearts are with Nolan’s family, friends, and community as they navigate this devastating loss. Every Black man deserves the chance to grow old.”
Statements from his high school and community college leadership
As reported by WLOX:
“We are devastated by Nolan’s passing,” said Jake Bramlett, Ocean Springs head football coach. “He was the kind of son, teammate, friend and student that every coach hopes to have in a program… Nolan was so much more than an outstanding football player. He carried himself with humility, treated others with respect, worked hard and led by example. His character spoke louder than his accomplishments, and he was loved deeply by his teammates and coaches. Our football family is grieving alongside Nolan’s parents, family, friends, classmates, teammates and all who loved him.”
“Nolan was a remarkable student, teammate and brother,” said Ocean Springs High School Principal Dr. Jacob Dykes. “He will be remembered as an extremely kind and hardworking young man who left a lasting impression on his teachers, coaches, teammates and community. Our thoughts are with his family and the many people he made a lasting impact on around him.”
“The entire Southwest family is heartbroken as we mourn the tragic loss of Nolan Wells,” said Southwest Mississippi CC President Dr. J. Steven Bishop. “We remember Nolan as a well-respected young man who was very popular among friends, faculty, and staff. We loved Nolan, and he will be greatly missed in many ways. Our continued prayers will be with the Wells family now and in the days to come. Professional counselors and local ministers will be available to assist teammates and friends as they return to campus [Monday]. May God lead and guide all involved during this difficult time.”