Search Intensifies for Missing Mississippi Teen Last Seen on Horn Island

Authorities are asking the public for help as an extensive multi-agency search continues for an 18-year-old Mississippi teen who disappeared during Fourth of July weekend on Horn Island.

What We Know:

• Authorities say Nolan Xavier Wells, 18, of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, was last seen around 3:00 p.m. on July 4 while on Horn Island, part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore.
• Wells is described as a Black male, approximately 6-foot-1 and 180 pounds. He was last seen wearing blue swim trunks, sunglasses, and no shirt. Officials corrected an earlier description that incorrectly identified his swim trunks as black.
• The search is being led by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department with assistance from the U.S. Coast Guard, Mississippi Department of Marine Resources, Gulf Islands National Seashore, the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department, and the United Cajun Navy.
• Investigators say they have not confirmed whether Wells remains on Horn Island, but search teams have reestablished a command post and continue searching both the island and surrounding waters. Authorities also confirmed they recently obtained a photograph showing Wells on the island before his disappearance.
• Officials are urging anyone who visited Horn Island or traveled by boat in the area on July 4 to review photographs and videos and contact investigators if they saw or interacted with Wells. Even seemingly minor details could assist the investigation.

Authorities continue to urge anyone with information about Nolan Wells’ whereabouts to contact the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department at 228-769-3063 immediately as search efforts remain active.