Lingering questions persist surrounding the tragic death of Mississippi teen Nolan Wells, who vanished during a weekend excursion with friends, marked by celebratory boating activities.
His lifeless body was tragically located on Horn Island, two days following his disappearance from the boat on July Fourth.
The United Cajun Navy, known for its dedicated search and rescue efforts, confirmed through a representative to News Media the discovery of Wells’ body on July 6.
Nolan Xavier Wells had vanished while enjoying a boating outing with friends, as per information from authorities shared on the Fourth of July. (Jackson County Sheriff’s Department via Facebook)
“It was, in fact, a ranger from the National Park Service who found the body and made the report,” stated Brian Trasher, vice president of the organization.
He said he joined the mission to try and find the teen when his organization was contacted on social media.
“Throughout the morning, we were talking with locals, trying to get any kind of intel on the last sighting or anything that could help,” he said.
He says the search effort relied on the help of boats and an aircraft. “We were in the air about two hours before we noticed the activity on the beach,” he goes on to say, “We were searching where the wind and drift patterns were taking the current.”
Rumors are swirling online as to the circumstances that led up to Wells’ becoming separated from his friends and the boat.
Trascher said, “There’s no evidence to suggest that he was dumped on an island and left for dead.”
“The working theory is that he drowned,” he said.
He told News Media Wells’ body was found “washed right back” close to where he was last seen.
Trascher said, “That tells me he didn’t go that far out.” He went on to say, “The wind and drift patterns tell a story.”
It’s important to note that the organization is not leading the investigation, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department is.
The United Cajun Navy shared a video of the search Monday morning on Facebook. (United Cajun Navy via Facebook)
“I’m not a medical professional. I’m not a professional investigator. I’m a search-and-rescue guy,” Trascher said.
The official cause of death has not yet been announced by authorities.
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Department continues to investigate Wells’ death and has asked the public to come forward with any information.
Wells’ family has hired attorney Ben Crump to represent them.
“The family is calling for a thorough and transparent investigation into how Nolan died,” the firm said.