Overview
- Nolan Wells, 18, vanished during a July 4 boat trip to Horn Island and a body matching his description was recovered in the water on July 6 and identified by dental records.
- Jackson County investigators say drowning is the working theory and that they have found no evidence of foul play so far while official autopsy and toxicology results remain pending.
- Wells’ parents hired civil rights attorney Ben Crump, arranged an independent autopsy paid for in part by national figures, and say the family’s review has raised questions about witness accounts and missing phone content.
- On Wednesday, July 15, the family met with District Attorney Angel Myers McIlrath and agreed to a mutual inspection of Wells’ recovered cellphone so independent experts can search for deleted Snapchat posts and original media.
- The case has drawn national attention, disputed viral videos and protests, and investigators warn that Horn Island’s isolation and strong local currents complicate reconstructing events and gathering evidence.