A body matching the description of Nolan Xavier Wells, an 18-year-old Mississippi teen who vanished over the Fourth of July holiday weekend, was recovered Monday morning from waters off Horn Island, prompting officials to call off the multi-agency search. Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter confirmed the discovery was made at approximately 8:45 a.m. local time in the water at the northwest end of Horn Island. Official identification remains pending, though Ledbetter stated the body "does match the description" of Wells.
What Happened and Where
Wells was last seen on July 4 near Horn Island, off the Mississippi Gulf Coast. A photograph shared with police showed the 18-year-old smiling aboard a boat with friends that afternoon. When he failed to return, a coordinated search was launched involving the Jackson County Sheriff's Department, the Department of Marine Resources, Gulf Islands National Seashore, and the U.S. Coast Guard. Authorities established a centralized command post at the Lake Mars Boat Launch in Ocean Springs to manage the multi-agency effort across the island and surrounding waters.
Volunteer Search Group Stands Down
The grassroots volunteer organization United Cajun Navy, which assisted in the search, announced Monday afternoon that operations had ceased following the body's discovery. In a statement posted to Facebook, the group expressed gratitude that Wells' family had trusted them to help and noted that their teams contributed aerial search operations, boats, and on-the-ground personnel. The United Cajun Navy extended condolences to Wells' family, friends, and teammates, asking the public to continue supporting those grieving the loss.
Family Speaks Out Amid Grief and Scam Warning
Wells' mother, Christine Wonsley, shared an emotional statement on Facebook following the discovery. She described the family as "absolutely devastated" and called her son "a special soul" who was always willing to uplift others, asking the public to allow the family space to grieve. Before the body was found, Wonsley and her husband had posted publicly asking anyone with photos or videos from July 4 to come forward, writing that the family had "so many questions."
Scammers Target Grieving Family Online
Wonsley also issued a separate warning after scammers began circulating fraudulent GoFundMe campaigns exploiting the tragedy. She stated that no such fundraiser had been created by herself, her husband, or any family member or friend, and urged anyone who encountered such pages to report them as inauthentic. The family said it would notify the public if it chose to create an official fundraiser.
The Jackson County Sheriff's Department did not immediately respond to media requests for additional comment following the recovery.