HORN ISLAND — A body matching the description of 18-year-old Nolan Xavier Wells was discovered at approximately 8:45 a.m. on Monday in the water off the northwest end of Horn Island. Wells went missing on July 4 after a boating trip to the island with friends.

Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter stated that the body matches Wells' description. County Coroner Bruce Lynd Jr. confirmed that DNA testing is underway with the family to formally identify the body and determine the cause of death. Authorities currently believe Wells drowned, but the investigation remains active.

Sheriff Ledbetter indicated that he does not suspect foul play in Wells' disappearance. He reported that Wells chose to remain on Horn Island when his friends departed. Wells had been on the boating trip with three white men and was the only Black person in the group.

Wells was last observed wearing blue swim trunks and sunglasses. He did not have his cell phone with him at the time of his disappearance; his parents, Christine Wonsley and Elmore Wonsley, are in possession of the device. Wells was described as a Black male, approximately 6-foot-1 and weighing around 180 pounds.

Christine Wonsley, Wells' mother, posted on Facebook requesting time for her family to grieve. "His father, our family, friends and I are absolutely devastated. My heartbroken for my sweet son who was always willing to cheer and uplift others," Wonsley said. She also cautioned against unauthorized fundraising efforts, stating that GoFundMe campaigns created in her son's name were not authorized by the family. "So if you see any please report that is not authentic. We will notify everyone if we choose to create one," she said. "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."

In the search for Wells, the United Cajun Navy, the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources, and the U.S. Coast Guard provided assistance. Wells was a 2025 graduate of Ocean Springs High School and played wide receiver at Southwest Mississippi Community College.