Family of Nolan Wells, who was found dead off Mississippi island, retains noted lawyer Ben Crump
The family is seeking records, witness accounts and autopsy findings after a body matching Wells’ description was found and the investigation remained open.
- On Monday, July 6, a park ranger discovered the body of 18-year-old Nolan Xavier Wells in the water off Horn Island, Mississippi, ending a search that began after he disappeared during a July 4 boat trip.
- Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter reported that Wells remained on the island on July 4, expecting to return with others, but did not come back to the mainland with his group that evening.
- The family retained civil rights attorney Ben Crump to seek answers, while investigators currently have no information indicating a crime occurred, according to Ledbetter.
- Mother Christine Wonsley thanked supporters for prayers and donations, with a GoFundMe page raising more than $118,000 toward the family's $120,000 goal for funeral and support expenses.
- An autopsy remains pending as officials investigate social media footage from the island, with authorities urging the public to rely on formal investigation rather than internet speculation.
45 Articles
45 Articles
Nolan Wells vanished on a Mississippi island. His case joins a troubling list of suspicious Black deaths
The Black college freshman disappeared after a boating trip with white friends. Now his family and activists are pressing authorities for answers.
Drowning or Foul Play? Behind the Growing Suspicion Surrounding 18-Year-Old Nolan Wells' Tragic End
Nolan Wells' death has left Mississippi with more questions than answers, after the 18-year-old's body was recovered on Horn Island on Monday following a Fourth of July boat trip with friends. Authorities say they do not suspect foul play, but the family of the Ocean Springs teenager is demanding a thorough investigation into what happened on the barrier island off the Gulf Coast. The Search On Horn Island The news came after Wells vanished duri…
Family of missing Mississippi junior college football player hires Ben Crump after Horn Island body
The family of a junior college football player believed to have been found dead after going missing on a Fourth of July trip with friends has retained a well-known civil rights attorney.
Family of Nolan Wells, teen who was found dead off Mississippi island, retains noted civil rights lawyer
Nolan Xavier Wells' body was discovered Monday off the coast of Horn Island, Mississippi, where he was last seen with a group of friends Saturday afternoon.
Family hires Ben Crump after Nolan Wells found dead off Mississippi island
By Jake OffenhartzThe Associated Press The family of an 18-year-old who was found dead after a July 4 boat trip to an island off the Gulf Coast has retained civil rights attorney Ben Crump amid an ongoing investigation into the circumstances of his disappearance. Nolan Xavier Wells’ body was discovered July 6 off the coast of Horn Island, Miss., where he was last seen with a group of friends the afternoon of July 4, officials said. In a statemen…
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