Nolan Wells, a Mississippi teenager who disappeared over the Fourth of July weekend, is now confirmed dead, according to a Facebook post from his mother.
Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter announced on Monday (July 6) that a body, which the county coroner said resembled Wells, had been found at 8:40 a.m. that morning.
The body was found in the water near the western tip of Horn Island, which is where Wells headed with friends on Saturday (July 4). Friends saw him on the island that afternoon, but what happened after that is still unknown.
Authorities said that final identification of the body is still pending as they conduct DNA testing. Wells’ mother, Christine Wonsley, confirmed her son’s passing on social media.
After thanking everyone involved in the massive search effort, Wonsley wrote, “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.
“Nolan was a special soul, God took his time creating our son,” she continued. “I ask that you please give me and my family time to grieve.”
Wells, 18, was set to begin his sophomore year at Southwest Mississippi Community College and was a wide receiver on the school’s football team. The college’s dean, Steven Bishop, shared a statement after the body was found.
“The entire Southwest family is heartbroken as we mourn the tragic loss of Nolan Wells,” he said. “Nolan Wells was an exemplary student, athlete, friend, and teammate.
“We remember Nolan as a well respected young man who was very popular among friends and faculty. We loved Nolan, and he will be greatly missed. Our continued prayers will be with the Wells family now and in the days to come.”
“He could spark up a whole room,” one of Wells’ friends told the Sun Herald newspaper.
