Photo screenshot: WLOX News YOUTUBE/Search underway for missing Ocean Springs teen last seen on Horn Island
The family of Nolan Xavier Wells is pushing for answers. The 18-year-old went to Horn Island, Mississippi, with friends on July 4 and never came home. Search teams found him dead two days later. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump now speaks for the family. He announced plans to fly Wells’ body to Washington for an independent autopsy. He also said the details surrounding the teenager’s death do not add up.
Wells’ family reported him missing around midnight on July 4. Authorities found his body on the beach on the northwest part of Horn Island on July 6.
What happened on Horn Island on July 4
Wells traveled to Horn Island with a group of friends for the Fourth of July. The island sits roughly 10 miles off Mississippi’s coast. The National Park Service runs it. There are no facilities, no staff and no communications on the island. Visitors reach it mainly by private boat.
Investigators place Wells on the beach at 3 p.m. on July 4. At that point, he told his friends he would not go home with them. He said goodbye in front of several eyewitnesses. His friends left the island thinking he planned to ride home with another group. The mother of one of Wells’ friends also posted online about that day. She said her son last spoke to Wells at 3 p.m. He later talked to the sheriff’s department about what he knew.
Wells’ family reported him missing around midnight that same night. A Coast Guard bulletin went out at 12:26 p.m. on July 5. Multiple agencies then joined the search, including the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department, the Coast Guard and the United Cajun Navy. Investigators have not confirmed how much of the island the search covered before teams found his body on July 6.
Why Wells’ family called in Ben Crump
Crump said the family has real concerns about Mississippi leading this investigation. The case involves the death of a young Black man. Other young people may also be involved. His office will carry out an independent review of all details around Wells’ death.
Authorities have not yet released the cause of death. A toxicology report has not come back yet. Investigators are also asking the public for help. They want to hear from anyone who saw or spoke with Wells after 3 p.m. on July 4. They also want unedited photos or video from the northwest tip of the island that day. Investigators also welcome reports of any unusual activity or arguments in that area.
What investigators still need to determine in the Wells case
The hours between when Wells’ friends left and when he died remain unclear. Investigators are still working to fill that gap. Officials have not confirmed a cause of death. Furthermore, investigators have not named any persons of interest.
Crump plans to address the public after the independent autopsy takes place in Washington. He has said more information will follow. For now, the Wells family wants a full account of what happened. Their son died on an island with no staff, no phone service and no way to call for help.
SOURCE: FOX8LIVE.com
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