Questions linger following the death of Nolan Wells, a Mississippi teenager who went missing during a holiday boating trip with friends. Wells was found dead on Horn Island two days after he vanished from the boat on July 4th.
A representative from the United Cajun Navy, a search and rescue group, confirmed to Fox News Digital that Wells’ body was discovered on July 6. According to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department, Wells disappeared while boating with friends during the Fourth of July celebration.
Brian Trasher, vice president of the United Cajun Navy, noted, “It was actually a ranger from the National Park Service that discovered his body and called it in.” He elaborated on the mission, saying the organization was contacted via social media to assist in the search.
“Throughout the morning, we were talking with locals, trying to get any kind of intel on the last sighting or anything that could help,” Trasher remarked.
The search utilized boats and an aircraft to cover the area. Trasher stated, “We were in the air about two hours before we noticed the activity on the beach,” adding, “We were searching where the wind and drift patterns were taking the current.”
Speculation about the events leading to Wells’ separation from his friends and the boat has been circulating online. However, Trasher dispelled rumors, commenting, “There’s no evidence to suggest that he was dumped on an island and left for dead.” The prevailing theory is that Wells drowned.
Wells’ body was found near where he was last seen, raising questions about his movements in the water. “That tells me he didn’t go that far out,” Trasher noted, emphasizing, “The wind and drift patterns tell a story.”
Trasher clarified that the United Cajun Navy is not leading the investigation, as the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department is responsible for the case. Meanwhile, the group shared a video of their search efforts on Facebook.
“I’m not a medical professional. I’m not a professional investigator. I’m a search-and-rescue guy,” Trasher reiterated.
The official cause of death has yet to be released by authorities. Investigators from the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department continue to seek information from the public to assist in unraveling the case.
Wells’ family has retained attorney Ben Crump for representation. The family’s legal team stated, “The family is calling for a thorough and transparent investigation into how Nolan died.” They continue to urge a detailed examination of the circumstances surrounding the teen’s tragic death.