Search Underway for Ocean Springs Teen Missing Since July 4 on Horn Island

Law enforcement officials are searching for Nolan Xavier Wells, an 18-year-old Ocean Springs man who was last seen on Horn Island on July 4. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Department said Wells was seen around 3 p.m. on the barrier island, which was crowded with holiday visitors.

It remains unclear whether Wells made it back to the mainland. The sheriff’s department updated its initial report Sunday, clarifying that Wells was wearing blue swim trunks, no shirt, and sunglasses when last seen, not black shorts as previously reported.

The department is leading the search effort on the island with assistance from the Department of Marine Resources, the Gulf Islands National Seashore, and the U.S. Coast Guard. Investigators have interviewed several people since Wells went missing but are urging anyone who spoke with him on the island and has not yet contacted law enforcement to call (228) 769-3063. Authorities say any information could be key to locating him.

Wells is described as a Black male, 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighing about 180 pounds. Several Gulf Coast officials are asking the public to report any sightings or potential rides back to the mainland, emphasizing that even small details could help in the search.

Horn Island is approximately 10 miles south of Ocean Springs and covers 3,014 acres, including 174 acres of private land. The United Cajun Navy and Harrison County Sheriff’s Department are also assisting in the search efforts.

Wells’ mother, Christine Wonsley, posted on social media that her son was last seen on the western tip of the island’s north end and that he had lost his phone, which has since been returned to her and Wells’ father. She urged the public to pray for his safe return. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department or the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources.

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