Community responds to teen missing from Horn Island on 4th of July
OCEAN SPRINGS, MISS. (WXXV) — Ocean Springs teenager, Nolan Wells, was last seen on Horn Island on the 4th of July, and after just two days of search efforts, a body was recovered from the island.
Eighteen-year-old Nolan Wells was last seen on Horn Island around 3 p.m. on Saturday. Multiple agencies—including local law enforcement, the Cajun Navy, the U.S. Coast Guard, and Gulf Islands National Seashore—joined volunteers in an extensive search effort. After nearly two days of searching, crews made a discovery, bringing the search to an end.
On Monday morning, at around 8:45 a.m., a body was found on the western tip of the island. Jackson County Coroner Bruce Lynd Jr. says the body does match the description of Wells, but official positive identification will be made through DNA testing at the state medical examiner’s office.
Wells’ family took to Facebook with updates on the discovery. His mother, Christine Wonsley thanked friends, family, and every agency for their support in the search for Nolan, noting that they are heartbroken for their son “who was always willing to cheer and uplift others,” and that “Nolan was a special soul.”
Nolan’s grandfather Christopher Wells Jr. said in a social media post that his grandson has been found and “its now time for answers.” He also noted that the family needs space to grieve and advised the public to let law enforcement do their job.
Nolan is a 2025 Ocean Springs High School graduate and was a multi-sport athlete at the school. Head Football Coach Jake Bramlett released a statement on Monday saying, in part, that Nolan “carried himself with humility, treated others with respect, worked hard, and led by example,” and that “he was loved deeply by his teammates and coaches.”
After graduating high school, Nolan went on to play football as a wide receiver at Southwest Community College. The college says he was a “well respected young man who was very popular among friends, faculty, and staff.”
Ocean Springs Mayor Bobby Cox also released a statement on Monday following the discovery.
He says, in part, that the city’s “thoughts and prayers are with Nolan’s family, friends, classmates, teachers, and the broader community as they grieve this heartbreaking tragedy… In the days ahead, let us come together with compassion, supporting one another and honoring Nolan’s memory.”
Nolan’s family has since created an official Gofundme fundraiser, which has raised over $50,000 in just a few hours. If you would like to support the family, click here.
Officials are expected to release more information on Tuesday morning, including the formal identification of the body. We will continue to follow this case and provide updates as new information becomes available.
