Timeline: Here’s what we know about the disappearance and death of 18-year-old Nolan Wells

OCEAN SPRINGS, Miss. (WLOX) — The body of 18-year-old Nolan Xavier Wells was found in the water just off the northwestern tip of Horn Island Monday morning, according to Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter.

Tuesday, Jackson County Coroner Bruce Lynd confirmed to WLOX News that the body found was Wells, according to dental records.

The cause and manner of death haven’t been released. Investigators told ABC News they suspect that Wells drowned, but they are continuing the investigation.

An autopsy was performed Tuesday by the state medical examiner, but officials say it could take “a couple weeks” to receive results, which will include a toxicology report.

Jackson County Sheriff Ledbetter said the investigation is active but asked the public to allow time for the case to develop and the family to grieve following the news of Wells’ death.

Here’s what we know about the timeline of events leading up to Wells’ discovery and the aftermath in days following.

Wells traveled to Horn Island with a group of friends to celebrate Independence Day. The boat left from a private dock in the Ocean Springs area, according to Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter.

Wells was last seen near the island around 3 p.m., according to Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO).

From what we understand, he chose to stay there,” Sheriff Ledbetter told Good Morning America.

The Coast Guard told WLOX on Thursday, July 9, that a friend of Wells’ contacted the agency around 11 p.m. the night of July 4. The Coast Guard would not disclose any other information about that call to WLOX, but said it “did not require Coast Guard assistance.”

Wells’ mother contacted JCSO Saturday evening around midnight to report that her son had not come home.

At 12:26 p.m., Coast Guard Sector Mobile said it received a request for assistance from JCSO in search of a missing person in the vicinity of Horn Island. The Coast Guard said an urgent marine information broadcast was issued, and a helicopter was sent to search the area.

At 12:31 p.m., JCSO issued a press release saying it was searching for Nolan Xavier Wells, described as an 18-year-old Black male, approximately 6′1″ and weighing 180 pounds. He was last seen on Horn Island on Saturday, July 4, wearing blue swim trunks, no shirt and sunglasses.

Sheriff John Ledbetter said multiple agencies joined the search for Wells, including the Gulf Islands National Seashore, U.S. National Park Service, U.S. Coast Guard, Mississippi Department of Marine Resources and Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks.

Other agencies joined in, including the Biloxi Fire Department, which had a boat out, the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office, Jackson County Fire Service, and the United Cajun Navy.

Search boats were deployed again, with the last vessels leaving just before 8 a.m.

Around 8:45 a.m., Sheriff Ledbetter confirmed authorities received a call reporting a body found at the northwestern tip of Horn Island. The body was discovered by a U.S. Park Service ranger.

Wells’ family was asked to come to the Lake Mars Boat Launch, where they were met by Sheriff Ledbetter and Coroner Bruce Lynd.

Just after 11 a.m., the family was taken to the coroner’s office in Pascagoula to identify the body.

Just before 1 p.m., Wells’ family confirmed his death on social media. His mother posted on Facebook confirming that Wells was the person found on Horn Island.

Just before 2 p.m., WLOX learned Wells’ family has retained nationally renowned civil rights and personal injury attorney Ben Crump, calling for a thorough and transparent investigation into how Wells died.

“Attorney Crump and the legal team will conduct an independent review of the circumstances of Nolan’s death and will press for the timely release of all records, witness accounts, and autopsy findings,” a press release by Ben Crump read.

Wells’ autopsy took place Tuesday at the Mississippi State Medical Examiner’s Office Coast Lab.

Around 2 p.m. Tuesday, Coroner Bruce Lynd confirmed to WLOX News that the body found was Wells, according to dental records.

Just after 3:30 p.m., JCSO issued a press release, asking anyone with original photos, videos, or eyewitness accounts related to Nolan Wells or any “unusual activity” from Horn Island on July 4 to contact them at 228-769-3065 during regular business hours, or 228-769-3063 after hours.

Authorities seek original photos, videos, eyewitness accounts related to Nolan Wells or ‘unusual activity’ on Horn Island July 4

Tuesday at 9:15 p.m., the mother of one of the boys believed to be at the island with Wells made a Facebook post, saying that her family is grieving with Wells’ family, and that she wanted to make a post to “dispel some rumors with facts.”

Ashlee Cole, a Chancery Judge in Jackson County, said she did initially deactivate her Facebook account due to fearing for the safety of herself and her family.

“We do not believe it is appropriate for our minor children’s photographs to be circulated throughout the Internet, presenting potential threats to their safety,” Cole said.

Parent of Nolan Wells’ friend, NAACP leader speak out about social media rumors

Cole said she graduated high school with Wells’ mother and that they are “from the same community.”

“I have the utmost respect for her and all of the Wells family,” Cole said. “We mourn the loss of Nolan with them. Our prayers have been and will continue to be with them.”

Cole also said her son last saw Wells around 3 p.m. on July 4, before leaving the island at 4:30 when the boat they were on started having issues.

“Nolan made a decision to stay on the island and return inland later with another group of friends,” Cole’s post read.