Unanswered questions still surround the death of Mississippi teenager Nolan Wells, who vanished during a Fourth of July weekend boat outing with friends.
Wells was discovered dead on Horn Island two days after he was reported missing from the boat on July 4.
An official with the United Cajun Navy, a volunteer search and rescue group, confirmed to INC News that Wells’ body was found on July 6.
Nolan Xavier Wells disappeared on the Fourth of July while boating with friends, according to authorities. (Jackson County Sheriff’s Department via Facebook)
“It was actually a ranger from the National Park Service that discovered his body and called it in,” said Brian Trasher, the organization’s vice president.
Trasher said he became involved in the search for the missing teen after the United Cajun Navy was contacted through social media.
“Throughout the morning, we were talking with locals, trying to get any kind of intel on the last sighting or anything that could help,” he said.
According to Trasher, the search operation used both boats and an aircraft as crews worked to track the likely movement of the water. “We were in the air about two hours before we noticed the activity on the beach,” he said. “We were searching where the wind and drift patterns were taking the current.”
Rumors are swirling online as to the circumstances that led up to Wells’ becoming separated from his friends and the boat.
Trascher said, “There’s no evidence to suggest that he was dumped on an island and left for dead.”
“The working theory is that he drowned,” he said.
He told INC News Wells’ body was found “washed right back” close to where he was last seen.
Trascher said, “That tells me he didn’t go that far out.” He went on to say, “The wind and drift patterns tell a story.”
It’s important to note that the organization is not leading the investigation, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department is.
The United Cajun Navy shared a video of the search Monday morning on Facebook. (United Cajun Navy via Facebook)
“I’m not a medical professional. I’m not a professional investigator. I’m a search-and-rescue guy,” Trascher said.
The official cause of death has not yet been announced by authorities.
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Department continues to investigate Wells’ death and has asked the public to come forward with any information.
Wells’ family has hired attorney Ben Crump to represent them.
“The family is calling for a thorough and transparent investigation into how Nolan died,” the firm said.
