The family of Nolan Wells, an 18-year-old found dead off Horn Island, Mississippi, has retained civil rights attorney Ben Crump to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death. Wells was last seen on July 4 during a boat trip with friends to celebrate the holiday. His body was discovered Monday after a multi-agency search involving the U.S. Coast Guard, Mississippi Department of Marine Resources, and National Park Service. Dental records confirmed the body was Wells, and an autopsy was conducted Tuesday, though results were not immediately released.
Crump, who also represents the family of a 1-year-old killed in a police shooting, stated the family seeks transparency. Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter said Wells stayed on the island after his friends left, assuming he would return with others. Wells’ mother reported him missing that night. Friends are cooperating with investigators.
Wells, who would have turned 19 next month, attended Southwest Mississippi Community College and played football. His mother, Christine Wonsley, posted on social media seeking videos or documentation from the island. The investigation remains ongoing.