Investigation underway into death of Mississippi 18-year-old who vanished on July 4 boating trip

Investigation is underway into the death of an 18-year-old Mississippi man, Nolan Xavier Wells, after a July 4 boating trip ended with him vanishing and his body washing ashore days later. Wells was last seen boarding with friends around 3 p.m. Saturday on Horn Island, a barrier reef accessible only by boat, wearing blue swim trunks and sunglasses, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department said. His mother, Christine Wonsley, reported him missing that night after he did not return. A two-day search involved the National Park Service, the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources, and the Coast Guard. A U.S. park ranger found Wells’ body Monday, and the Jackson County Coroner’s Office confirmed identification. A cause of death has not been determined pending autopsy and toxicology. Sheriff John Ledbetter said friends are cooperating, while attorney Ben Crump said he will lead an independent investigation and sought an autopsy in Washington, D.C.