Authorities are investigating the death of 18-year-old Nolan Wells, who disappeared during a Fourth of July boating trip off the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Wells was found dead, and the results of an autopsy are pending.

What happened on Horn Island

Wells was on Horn Island with friends over the holiday weekend. His friends left the island, and Wells stayed behind, planning to take a different boat back to the mainland on Saturday, July 4, but he never made it.

A search effort was launched, and Wells’ body was found off the shore on Monday, July 6. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone who was on the island or has information to come forward so investigators can piece together what happened. At this time, authorities say they have no information indicating a crime was committed.

A promising young athlete remembered

Wells had recently signed to play college football and was described by his high school coach as an outstanding player who carried himself with humility and respect. His family is grieving and looking for answers, and they have hired civil rights attorney Ben Crump to conduct an independent investigation.

Original reporting: 40/29 / KHBS (NW Arkansas) — read the source article.