Search teams are still looking for 18-year-old Nolan Wells after he disappeared during a Fourth of July trip to Horn Island with friends. Authorities say he was last seen around 3 p.m. on the barrier island off the Mississippi coast near Ocean Springs.
The case has drawn multiple agencies into the effort, including the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department, the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department, the United States Coast Guard, and the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources. The United Cajun Navy is also helping with the search.
Where Wells Was Last Seen
Officials say Wells was last seen on the western tip of the island’s north side wearing black shorts and sunglasses. It is still unclear whether he ever made it back to the mainland.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Nolan Wells |
| Age | 18 |
| Last Seen | Horn Island, western tip of the north side |
| Clothing | Black shorts and sunglasses |
Searchers Ask Boaters To Look Closely
In a statement posted to social media, Gautier Mayor Casey Vaughan said anyone who was on Horn Island on July 4, traveled by boat in the area, or may have seen Wells should contact authorities immediately. “Even the smallest detail could make a difference,” Vaughan said.
Cajun Navy Incident Commander Josh Gill said Wells is about six feet tall and weighs 180 pounds. Gill also said Wells had gone to the island by boat with friends and was allegedly hanging out with a girl before he disappeared.
“He has not been heard from in close to 24 hours,” Gill said in a video posted to Facebook early Sunday. “So guys, if you’re out there fishing, if you’re out there jet skiing, doing whatever you guys are doing, keep your eyes out for Nolan.”
Family And Officials Continue The Search
Wells’ mother, Christine Wonsley, asked for help on social media Sunday and said her son had at some point been separated from his phone. The phone is back with the family in Mississippi.
Those with information are being asked to contact the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources at (844) WE-R-MDMR (937-6636) or (228) 523-4134, or the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department at (228) 769-3063.
