Body of 18-year-old found on Mississippi barrier island after July 4 boat trip

An 18-year-old was reported missing after a July 4 boat trip to Horn Island, a federally protected barrier island roughly 10 miles off the Mississippi coast. His body was recovered on the island the following Monday. Nolan Wells graduated from Ocean Springs High School and was a wide receiver at Southwest Mississippi Community College.

He traveled to the island with friends on July 4; the group returned without him later that day.

Search and recovery Wells’ family reported him missing the night of July 4.

A body matching Wells’ description was recovered on the island. Jackson County Coroner Bruce Lynd told CNN there were no immediate signs of physical injury.

Investigation status The Jackson County Sheriff’s Department said no foul play was suspected at the time of recovery. Investigators have asked witnesses for original photos and videos from July 4, particularly any showing alleged altercations or images of Wells.

The family has retained civil rights attorney Ben Crump and commissioned an independent autopsy. Crump told ABC News the family believes text messages were deleted from Wells’ recovered phone and that contradictions exist in witness statements. Sheriff John Ledbetter told WXXV the department is working to provide accurate information to the family and the public.