Southwest Mississippi Community College Mourns Loss of Nolan Wells

Southwest Mississippi Community College has released a statement following the discovery of a body during the search for freshman football player Nolan Wells.

In its statement, the college expressed its heartbreak over the tragedy and extended condolences to Wells’ family, friends, teammates, coaches, and everyone affected by the loss. The school asked the community to keep those closest to Nolan in their thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.

Wells, an 18-year-old wide receiver from Ocean Springs, disappeared Saturday while on Horn Island with friends, prompting a massive multi-agency search involving local law enforcement, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources, and the United Cajun Navy. A body matching his description was found Monday morning near the west end of the island. Authorities are awaiting final confirmation from the coroner’s office regarding the identification and cause of death.