Timeline: Here’s What We Know About the Disappearance and Death of 18-Year-Old Nolan Wells

The case of Nolan Xavier Wells, an 18-year-old college football player from Ocean Springs, Mississippi, has drawn widespread attention following his disappearance on July 4, 2026, and the discovery of his body two days later on Horn Island. Here is a compiled timeline of key events based on available reports.

Friday, July 3
Nolan’s mother, Christine Wonsley, said the last time she heard from her son was on July 3. He cooked dinner for his parents before heading to a friend’s house for the night. He hugged and kissed her goodbye, saying, “Hey mom, I’m about to go, I love you.”

Saturday, July 4
Morning: Nolan traveled by boat with friends from a private dock in the Ocean Springs area, departing around 9:56 a.m. and arriving at Horn Island around 11:14 a.m.
Afternoon: He was last seen around 3 p.m. near the northwest tip of the island. His friends left the island around 4:30–4:31 p.m. due to boat issues (bilge pump problems taking on water). Conflicting accounts exist about whether Nolan chose to stay behind to talk to a girl or planned to return with another group.

Evening: The boat returned to the dock area. One of Nolan’s friends contacted the Coast Guard around 11 p.m. to report him missing. Christine Wonsley also reported her son missing around midnight after learning he had not returned home. His phone and keys were left on the boat.
Sunday, July 5
Search efforts began in earnest. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Coast Guard, and other agencies coordinated searches of the island and surrounding waters. Nolan’s father, Elmore Wonsley, joined a private search effort with his son’s football coach.

Monday, July 6
A National Park Service ranger discovered a body in the water off the northwest tip of Horn Island around 8:45 a.m.
Nolan’s family was notified and identified the body. Christine Wonsley confirmed on social media that it was her son, expressing profound grief.
Tuesday, July 7
The Jackson County Coroner’s Office officially identified the body through dental records. An autopsy was conducted by the Mississippi State Medical Examiner’s Office, but results (including toxicology) remain pending. The family retained civil rights attorney Ben Crump to push for a thorough investigation.

Subsequent Developments
The family raised concerns about inconsistencies in witness statements, deleted content on Nolan’s phone, and a viral video allegedly showing an argument where Nolan demanded his phone back.
An independent autopsy is being arranged.
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office continues the investigation, seeking original pH๏τos, videos, and witness accounts from the island. The case will be presented to a grand jury.
Nolan Wells was a standout athlete and beloved community member. His family continues to seek transparency and answers about the circumstances of his death. The investigation remains active and ongoing.