Family seeks answers as questions linger over teen's drowning death
Wells family pursues independent autopsy after teen's death raises unanswered questions.
Event / Security
Nolan Xavier Wells Death Investigation
Mississippi teenager Nolan Xavier Wells disappeared during a July 4th boat trip to Horn Island and was found dead days later. His family disputes the authorities' accidental drowning conclusion and has commissioned an independent autopsy, citing a recorded altercation on the boat and deleted messages from his phone.
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2026-08-16 to 2026-11-13 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 10 Jul, 04:22 UTC
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What happened
Messages deleted from Wells' phone after friends took it from island
According to attorney Ben Crump, Wells' friends took the teenager's phone when they left Horn Island. When Wells' family received the phone back, messages had been deleted from it.
Wells family orders independent autopsy in Washington D.C.
The family of Nolan Xavier Wells, represented by attorney Ben Crump, announced they will conduct an independent autopsy to be performed in Washington, D.C. The family disputes the preliminary conclusion that Wells drowned accidentally, noting he was described as an elite swimmer by his father.
Attorney reports altercation recorded between Wells and another person on boat
Attorney Ben Crump stated that students recorded an altercation on the boats involving Wells and another person yelling at one another. Investigators have told the family they see no evidence of foul play despite the recorded altercation.
Mississippi teen Nolan Xavier Wells found dead after disappearing on Horn Island
Nolan Xavier Wells, an 18-year-old college football player, went missing on July 4th after going on a boat trip with high school friends to Horn Island, an undeveloped island accessible only by private boat located south of Ocean Springs, Mississippi. A body believed to be Wells was recovered on Monday. Authorities believe Wells drowned and do not suspect foul play, though the investigation remains ongoing.
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