Investigation into Nolan Wells’ Disappearance and Death on Horn Island

On July 4, Nolan Wells went missing after a boat trip to Horn Island, Mississippi. GPS data from the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources, acquired by CBS News, details the boat’s movements. The vessel departed a dock around 9:56 a.m. and reached Horn Island by 11:14 a.m. Wells was not present when the boat left the island.

The boat departed Horn Island at 4:31 p.m., returning to its original dock before proceeding to Fort Bayou at 5:52 p.m., and then back to the dock at 6:06 p.m. That evening, it moved to the Fort Bayou boat launch at 7:19 p.m. before being towed over land to the owners’ home in Biloxi.

The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources reported that the boat’s owner, his mother, and another person with Wells on July 4 have been cooperating with the investigation. On July 5, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office became the lead agency in the investigation.

“This undated photo provided by the family in July 2026 shows Nolan Xavier Wells with his mother, Christine Wonsley.” AP

Wells, 18, last seen on Horn Island, went there for a holiday trip with friends. Sheriff John Ledbetter confirmed he did not return with his friends. Attorney Ben Crump’s office said Wells was last seen on the island at 3 p.m. His mother reported him missing that night, leading to a search by several agencies.

Wells’ body was discovered on July 6 off the island’s coast, confirmed by dental records as reported by Jackson County coroner Bruce Lynd. An autopsy on July 7 yielded no immediate public results. An independent autopsy took place in Washington, D.C.

Wells’ parents doubt he would have chosen to remain on the island. Elmore Wonsley, his father, expressed disbelief to “CBS Mornings,” maintaining that Nolan would not stay behind and would always return with his group. “No, he wouldn’t,” Elmore stated firmly.

Nolan Wells was a student at Ocean Springs High School and played football for Southwest Mississippi Community College. He was recognized as a skilled swimmer. The investigation into his death continues.

Mark Osborne contributed to this report.