Authorities have called off the search for a Mississippi teenager who disappeared over the Fourth of July holiday weekend after a body matching his description was recovered Monday morning off the coast. Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter confirmed that a body was discovered in the water at approximately 8:45 a.m. local time, just offshore on the northwest end of Horn Island. While official identification is still pending, Ledbetter stated that the recoverydoes match the description
of 18-year-old Nolan Xavier Wells.
The grassroots volunteer organization United Cajun Navy, which had been assisting in the search, announced Monday afternoon that efforts had ceased. In a statement on Facebook, the group wrote:On behalf of the United Cajun Navy, we extend our deepest condolences to Nolan’s family, friends, teammates, and everyone whose lives were touched by him. We are grateful that Nolan’s family entrusted us to assist in this search.
The organization added that its teams provided aerial search operations, boats, and ground support, and urged the public to keep Wells’ loved ones in their prayers as they grievethis devastating loss.
Wells was last seen on July 4 near Horn Island, a barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico that is part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore. A photo shared with police showed the teen smiling with friends on a boat that afternoon. Search teams from the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department, the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources, the Gulf Islands National Seashore, and the U.S. Coast Guard combed 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.
Following the discovery of the body, Wells’ mother, Christine Wonsley, shared an emotional message on Facebook.His father, our family, friends and I are absolutely devastated,
she wrote.My heart [is] broken for my sweet son who was always willing to cheer and uplift others. 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.
Wonsley and her husband had previously posted updates pleading for any photos or videos from July 4 to help track Wells’ last known movements.We have so many questions,
she wrote before the body was recovered.Our hearts are breaking, we keep waiting for Nolan to walk through that door with his beautiful smile and a joke of course.
Amid their grief, the family is also warning the community about online scammers attempting to capitalize on the tragedy. In a separate Facebook post, Wonsley wrote:I want you all to know a GoFund Me HAS NOT been created by myself, husband, family or friends. So if you see any please report that is not authentic. We will notify everyone if we choose to create one.
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Department did not immediately respond to inquiries from Fox News Digital.
The incident has drawn attention to the dangers of recreational boating and swimming in the Gulf waters, especially during holiday weekends when many families gather at beaches and islands. Horn Island, known for its natural beauty and wildlife, is a popular destination for boaters and campers but can present hazards such as strong currents and sudden weather changes. The U.S. Coast Guard and local authorities regularly remind the public to wear life jackets, stay aware of weather conditions, and avoid swimming alone in remote areas.
Wells was a recent high school graduate with aspirations of attending college, according to friends and family. He was known for his outgoing personality and love of sports. His disappearance prompted an outpouring of support from the local community, with volunteers joining official search teams in scouring the island and nearby waters. The United Cajun Navy, a nonprofit organization that assists in search-and-rescue operations across the Gulf Coast, played a key role in the effort, deploying drones, boats, and ground teams.
The recovery of the body brings a somber conclusion to a case that had gripped the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Wells’ disappearance, though no foul play is suspected at this time. The official cause of death will be determined by the medical examiner’s office. The family has requested privacy as they mourn, and funeral arrangements are pending.
