Nolan Wells, an 18-year-old from Mississippi, went missing after a July 4th boat trip to the isolated barrier island of Horn Island, according to a report from USA Today. His body was recovered three days later, but the circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear. Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter stated that investigators did not initially suspect foul play but are continuing to probe the case.

Family Launches Parallel Investigation

Wells’ family has launched its own investigation into his death, citing a lack of confidence in local law enforcement. Family attorney Ben Crump said the family has obtained the full audio recording of a distress call made by the boat Wells reportedly traveled on to Horn Island. The call was made to Sea Tow, and the family is working with audio engineering experts to analyze it.

In addition, Crump revealed that the family is consulting with “oceanic engineering experts” to better understand how tides and weather conditions may have affected where Wells’ body was found. They are also seeking additional information to share with Dr. Roger Mitchell, the independent medical examiner who conducted a second autopsy on Wells.

Concerns and Conspiracy Theories

Crump expressed concern over the spread of false claims, content, and conspiracy theories surrounding the case. He also highlighted that Wells’ mother, a nurse, has been targeted with negative online reviews by individuals he called “sick people.”

“They are just sick, evil people who would attack this mother and this father for simply saying we want to know what happened to our child,” Crump said during a July 30 news conference at the National Urban League conference in Nashville, Tennessee.

Wells’ Background and Family Statements

According to Telemundo, Wells was a university student and a talented athlete who was described by his father, Elmore Wonsley, as “someone very sensible.” Wells was last seen on July 4 when he left with friends for Horn Island, an island accessible only by boat, according to Jackson County authorities. His friends returned to the mainland without him, though they had his phone with them.

Two days later, on July 6, the body of Wells was found floating in the waters of Mississippi by a National Park Service employee. Wells’ mother, Christine Wells-Wonsley, reported her son missing the night of July 4. Initially, she thought he had simply stayed longer with his friends, but that changed when a friend, Warren Cole,who had been on Horn Island earlier—reported Wells missing to authorities.

Crump emphasized the timeline of events during a press statement, asking: “He disappeared on the 4th. His body would have had to be there on the 5th. Why didn’t it show up until the 6th?” The cause of death remains pending as the Jackson County Forensic Office awaits results from the autopsy and toxicology reports.