[UPDATE] Family Confirms Body Found On Horn Island Is 18-Year-Old Nolan Wells

[UPDATE] Family Confirms Body Found On Horn Island Is 18-Year-Old Nolan Wells

Sad news.

A body found in the water off the northwest end of #HornIsland Monday morning has been identified by family as 18-year-old Nolan Xavier Wells. Updating those who helped with the search, Nolan’s mom wrote on Facebook, “I want to thank our family, friends, community, United Cajun Navy, local law enforcement, and everyone involved for all the love, support, resources over the last few days.” She continued, “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. I ask that you please give me and my family time to grieve.”

As reported, a park ranger discovered the body around 8:45 a.m., and while the sheriff said it matched Nolan’s description, Jackson County Coroner Bruce Lynd noted DNA testing will make the identification official, adding there’s “no reason to believe it is not him.” Nolan had traveled to the island with friends for the 4th of July and was last seen there around 3 p.m. Saturday. His mother reported him missing later that night, triggering a multi-agency search involving the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department, the Department of Marine Resources, Gulf Islands National Seashore, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the United Cajun Navy. Nolan had played football at Ocean Springs High School and Southwest Mississippi Community College.

TheJasmineBrand extends its heartfelt condolences to the loved ones of #NolanWells.