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Search called off after body matching missing teen Nolan Wells found off Mississippi coast

This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. ©2026 FOX News Network, LLC. All rights reserved. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Market data provided by Factset. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Legal Statement. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by LSEG. The United Cajun Navy shared a video searching for missing teen Nolan Xavier Wells shortly before the discovery of a body reportedly matching his description. (Credit: The United Cajun Navy via Facebook) The search for a Mississippi teen who went missing over the holiday weekend has been called off after a body matching his description was recovered Monday morning, officials said. Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter confirmed that a body was discovered in the water at about 8:45 a.m. local time Monday, just off shore on the northwest end of Horn Island, according to a report from the New York Post. While official identification is still pending, Ledbetter told the outlet the recovery "does match the description" of Nolan Xavier Wells, 18. The grassroots volunteer group United Cajun Navy announced Monday afternoon that search efforts had ceased. US

5
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Jul 20, 2026
latest update

Jul 6, 2026 → Jul 20, 2026

LATEST DEVELOPMENT
Jul 20, 2026·CNNT2 · Outlet report
2 weeks after a Mississippi football player’s death, many questions loom | CNN

As Nolan Wells’ family tearfully said goodbye to the beloved teen at his funeral Monday, they did so without knowing why his young life was cut so tragically short. It’s been 16 days since Wells, 18, and his friends went on a Fourth of…

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5 updates from 3 sources over 13 days.

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July 2026

5 updates
Jul 20, 2026·CNNT2 · Outlet reportLATEST
2 weeks after a Mississippi football player’s death, many questions loom | CNN

As Nolan Wells’ family tearfully said goodbye to the beloved teen at his funeral Monday, they did so without knowing why his young life was cut so tragically short. It’s been 16 days since Wells, 18, and his friends…

Read original at CNN →
Jul 19, 2026·The GuardianT2 · Outlet reportKEY MOMENT
What happened to Nolan Wells? Family seeks answers two weeks after 18-year-old’s death

Investigation continues after college freshman was found dead on Mississippi island after 4 July boat trip with friends Nolan Wells went to an island with friends and never came home. His death has renewed debate over…

Read original at The Guardian →
Jul 11, 2026·The GuardianT2 · Outlet reportKEY MOMENT
Family pleads for answers in death of young Black man in Mississippi

Body of Nolan Wells, 18, found after he traveled to Horn Island over Fourth of July weekend with three white friends A mother on Friday pleaded for anyone to come forward with information about what happened to ⁠her…

Read original at The Guardian →
Jul 11, 2026·CNNT2 · Outlet reportKEY MOMENT
Nolan Wells’ death has sparked scrutiny and speculation. Here’s what’s happening with the investigation | CNN

Christine and Elmore Wonsley don’t sleep. They can’t, not since their 18-year-old son, Nolan Wells, first went missing. “This was our baby boy,” Christine Wonsley said, wearing blue to match Wells’ father, the…

Read original at CNN →
Jul 6, 2026·Fox NewsT2 · Outlet reportOPENING
Search called off after body matching missing teen Nolan Wells found off Mississippi coast

This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. ©2026 FOX News Network, LLC. All rights reserved. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Market data provided by…

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Sources & evidence (5)

What this story stands on. Tier 0 is a primary record or the subject's own words; higher tiers must be attributed, never stated as bare fact.

T2 · Outlet report× 5
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STRONGEST EVIDENCE
T2 · Outlet reportCNNJul 20, 2026

As Nolan Wells’ family tearfully said goodbye to the beloved teen at his funeral Monday, they did so without knowing why his young life was cut so tragically short. It’s been 16 days since Wells, 18, and his friends went on a Fourth of…

View source →
T2 · Outlet reportThe GuardianJul 19, 2026

Investigation continues after college freshman was found dead on Mississippi island after 4 July boat trip with friends Nolan Wells went to an island with friends and never came home. His death has renewed debate over race and justice in…

View source →
T2 · Outlet reportThe GuardianJul 11, 2026

Body of Nolan Wells, 18, found after he traveled to Horn Island over Fourth of July weekend with three white friends A mother on Friday pleaded for anyone to come forward with information about what happened to ⁠her son, Nolan Wells, a…

View source →
T2 · Outlet reportCNNJul 11, 2026

Christine and Elmore Wonsley don’t sleep. They can’t, not since their 18-year-old son, Nolan Wells, first went missing. “This was our baby boy,” Christine Wonsley said, wearing blue to match Wells’ father, the couple tightly…

View source →
T2 · Outlet reportFox NewsJul 6, 2026

This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. ©2026 FOX News Network, LLC. All rights reserved. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Market data provided by Factset. Powered and…

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