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New information has emerged following the death of 18-year-old student-athlete Nolan Xavier Wells, whose body was found near a remote Mississippi island after he disappeared during a Fourth of July outing.
Wells was last seen on Horn Island, about 10 miles off the Mississippi coast, on July 4. His body was discovered in the water on the island's northwestern shore on July 6. Jackson County Coroner Bruce Lynd confirmed the identification through dental records provided by the Medical Examiner's Office.
Authorities have not yet determined an official cause of death. Lynd said the full medical examiner's report could take several weeks to complete. However, Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter said investigators do not currently suspect foul play and believe Wells may have drowned.
"There is no information at this time that indicates a crime occurred," Ledbetter said.
In the wake of the tragedy, Wells' family has retained civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who is calling for a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the teen's death.
"Nolan Wells was a beloved son, teammate and friend who went out to celebrate the Fourth of July and never came home," Crump said in a statement. "His family deserves answers. They deserve the truth."
According to Crump's office, Wells traveled to Horn Island by boat with a group of friends to celebrate the holiday. Investigators believe he remained on the island after the group departed, reportedly expecting to return to the mainland with someone else.
His mother, Christine Wonsley, reported him missing later that evening. She told local media that she and Wells' father had possession of his cell phone at the time, making it impossible to track his whereabouts. Two days later, a U.S. park ranger found his body in the water.
Wells was a former football player at Ocean Springs High School and a wide receiver at Southwest Mississippi Community College. He was preparing to return for the upcoming football season and would have celebrated his 19th birthday in August.
Investigators are continuing to piece together Wells' final hours. They are asking anyone who was on Horn Island that day to provide original photos, videos or recordings that may assist the investigation. Officials have also cautioned against spreading unverified information online, saying social media rumors have complicated efforts to verify credible leads.
Crump's legal team has also announced plans to conduct an independent review while seeking the release of witness statements, records and autopsy findings.