Body found during search for missing 18-year-old in Mississippi

A body was found on Horn Island, Mississippi, and the search for a missing 18-year-old has been called off.

The United Cajun Navy said in a Facebook post Monday, July 6 the search for 18-year-old Nolan Wells has been called off "after a body was located Monday morning on the northwest end of Horn Island." The agency said officials have not confirmed the identity of the individual found.

Officials have been conducting a search for Nolan Xavier Wells, 18, since he went missing around 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 4.

According to reporting from the Clarion Ledger, part of the USA TODAY Network, the Jackson County Sheriff's Office directed a search over land and water July 5 and 6 after the teen went missing. People have been searching the barrier island on foot, as well as using planes and boats.

The United Cajun Navy previously said on Facebook on July 6 that it remained "actively engaged in the search effort for Nolan Wells alongside our public safety partners."

Horn Island is located about 10 miles off the Gulf Coast of Mississippi. According to the National Park Service, the island is only accessible via private boat and is a designated wilderness area, meaning it is untouched by commercial development.

What does Nolan Wells look like?

The Jackson County Sheriff's Office described Wells as being a Black man standing about 6 feet, 1 inch tall and weighing about 180 pounds.

Wells, who also goes by Nono, was last seen on the northwest tip of Horn Island around 4:30 p.m. July 4. He was wearing blue swim trunks, sunglasses and no shirt.

Christine Wonsley, Wells' mother, shared more information and photos in a series of social media posts. Wonsley said Wells was separated from his phone, so location tracking isn't an option. She also said it's not clear when he left the island and who he was with.

This has been updated with new information.

Gabe Hauari is a national trending news reporter at USA TODAY. You can follow him on X @GabeHauari or email him at Gdhauari@usatodayco.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Body found during search for missing 18-year-old in Mississippi

Reporting by Gabe Hauari and Bonnie Bolden, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Copyright Reuters or USA Today Network via Reuters Connect

This story was originally published July 6, 2026 at 1:09 PM.