AFRO American Newspapers
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July 11 2026
Missing teen Nolan Wells found dead, family left with questions
By Kendra Bryant, Special to the AFRO
On July 6, Nolan Wells, 18, was found dead on Horn Island in the Mississippi Gulf Coast while on a boat trip with friends celebrating Independence Day. He was reported missing on Saturday, July 4.
“My heart is broken for our sweet son who was always willing to cheer and uplift others,” said Christine Wonsley, Nolan’s mother, in a Facebook post. “Nolan was a special soul, God took his time creating our son.”
Wells' body was discovered by a local park ranger after searches led by Jackson County Sheriff's Department, National Park Service, Mississippi Department of Marine Resources, U.S. Coast Guard and United Cajun Navy. His death was later confirmed by family members.
“His father and I are not okay,” said Wonsley, in a post prior to the news of his passing. “We have so many questions. We keep waiting for Nolan to walk through that door with his beautiful smile and a joke of course.”
Nolan Xavier Wells was a graduate of Ocean Springs High School and a wide receiver for the Southwest Mississippi Community College football team.
He was reported missing by his mother Saturday night after not returning home. It has been confirmed by United Cajun Navy officials that he was last seen alive speaking to a young woman named Katie McCormack.
“I want to thank our family, friends, community, United Cajun Navy, local law enforcement and everyone involved for all the love, support, resources over the last few days,” said Wonsley.
His phone was found on the boat, and his friends have said they were unsure of where he went after departing a different boat in which he arrived.
Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter is leading the ongoing investigation. Authorities do not believe foul play was involved. However, many believe it may have been the result of racial disparities and an alleged heated confrontation between Wells and friends on the island.
“Cousin, I’m sorry about what happened to you,” said Lamieka Wells, Nolan’s cousin in a Facebook post. “Best believe, we will be working to bring you justice. We hoped that we would’ve found you alive but it was the other way around. God has to do something about this, Nolan was a good child, well respected, loved football, was in college and hopefully the NFL. My family isn’t going to let this slide, so whoever was on the boat needs to talk!”
His autopsy has not yet been released.
The Wells family retained Ben Crump, renowned civil rights attorney for the case.
“His family deserves answers,” said Crump in an Instagram post. “They deserve the truth. We will not rest until every face about what happened to Nolan on Horn Island is brought into the light and we call on investigators to pursue this case with the urgency and transparency this family deserves.”
A GoFundMe organized by Well's aunt, Allayah Denis, has been established to help cover funeral expenses and future needs.
“Nolan was a beloved son, grandson, brother, friend and teammate whose life touched so many people,” said Denis on the GoFundMe. “His smile, kind heart and love for others left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.”
The family has requested privacy from the public during their time of grieving.
