A body found near an island after a teenager disappeared during a boating holiday with friends
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The search for a Mississippi teenager who went missing over the holiday weekend has been called off after a body matching his description was found Monday morning, officials said.
Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter confirmed that a body was found in the water around 8:45 a.m. Monday, off the northwest coast of Horn Island, according to the New York Post.
While official identification is pending, Ledbetter told the outlet that the recovery “fits the description” of Nolan Xavier Wells, 18.
The all-volunteer United Cajun Navy announced Monday afternoon that search efforts had ended.
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Nolan Xavier Wells disappeared on the Fourth of July while boating with friends, according to authorities. (Jackson County Sheriff’s Department via Facebook)
“On behalf of the United Cajun Navy, we extend our condolences to Nolan’s family, friends, teammates, and everyone whose life was touched by him,” the organization wrote in a statement on Facebook. “We are grateful that Nolan’s family entrusted us with helping in this search.”
“… Our teams were proud to provide search operations from the air, boats, and boots on the ground to support this effort,” the agency continued. “Please continue to keep Nolan’s loved ones in your prayers as they grieve their loss. Rest easy, Nolan. You will never be forgotten.”
The United Cajun Navy shared video of the search Monday morning on Facebook. (United Cajun Navy via Facebook)
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Wells was last seen on July 4 near Horn Island, according to authorities. A photo shared by police shows the teenager smiling with friends on a boat that afternoon.
Search teams from the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department, the Department of Marine Resources, the Gulf Islands National Seashore and the US Coast Guard combed the island and nearby waters, establishing a central command center at the Lake Mars Boat Launch in Ocean Springs to coordinate the multi-agency effort.
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After the body was found, Wells’ mother shared an emotional message on Facebook.
“His father, our family, friends and I are completely devastated,” wrote Christine Wonsley. “My heart [is] I am broken because of my beloved son who was always willing to please and encourage others. Nolan was a special soul, God took his time creating our son. Please give me and my family time to mourn.”
Wonsley and her husband previously posted updates appealing for any photos or videos since July 4 to help trace Wells’ last known movements.
Members of the Cajun Navy, a volunteer rescue organization, shared a video of the search for a missing child Monday morning. (United Cajun Navy via Facebook)
“We have many questions,” he wrote before recovering. “Our hearts ache, we keep waiting for Nolan to walk through that door with his beautiful smile and sense of humor.”
Amidst their grief, the family is also warning the public about online scammers trying to take advantage of the tragedy.
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“I want you all to know that the GoFund Me was NOT created by me, husband, family or friends,” Wonsley wrote in a separate post. “So if you see something please report it as fake. We will let everyone know if we choose to create it.”
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Department did not immediately respond to questions from Fox News Digital.
