Body Recovered on Horn Island Confirmed as Missing

Authorities have confirmed that a body recovered on Horn Island is 18-year-old Nolan Xavier Wells. The identification was made following the discovery during the search effort. No additional information about the circumstances surrounding his death has been released at this time.

Wells, an Ocean Springs resident and Southwest Mississippi Community College football player, was reported missing after he was last seen around 3 p.m. on July 4 while on Horn Island, according to WLOX. An extensive search involving the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department, U.S. Coast Guard, Mississippi Department of Marine Resources, Gulf Islands National Seashore, and United Cajun Navy had been underway since his disappearance.

Officials said they were urging the public to avoid speculation and allow investigators and the family time as the investigation continues.