Missing 18-Year-Old Nolan Wells Found Dead on Mississippi Island

The body of missing 18-year-old Nolan Wells has been found off the Mississippi Gulf Coast, local authorities confirmed. The teenager disappeared during a Fourth of July trip to Horn Island, sparking a massive search.

The remains were discovered Monday morning around 8:45 AM in the water near the northwest end of Horn Island by a park ranger. Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter said the body matched Wells' description.

While DNA testing is pending for formal identification, Jackson County Coroner Bruce Lynd stated there is no reason to believe the remains belong to anyone else. Wells' family also confirmed his death through social media posts.

Wells was last seen Saturday around 3 PM on Horn Island, wearing black shorts and sunglasses. He had traveled to the island by boat with friends, but it remains unclear if he returned to the mainland.

Authorities have not released details about the cause of death, and the investigation is ongoing. The search involved multiple agencies and volunteers, with officials asking anyone who was on the water that day for help.