The search for missing Mississippi teenager Nolan Xavier Wells has ended in tragedy after his family confirmed that the 18 year old has died.

Nolan disappeared on Saturday while spending the Fourth of July holiday with friends on Horn Island, off Mississippi’s Gulf Coast. He was last seen at about 3 p.m., prompting an extensive search involving multiple agencies.

Authorities said a body was discovered around 8:45 a.m. Monday on the island’s northwest shore by a park ranger. While officials have not yet formally identified the remains, Nolan’s mother, Christine Wonsley, announced on Facebook that her son had been found.

“I want to thank our family, friends, community, United Cajun Navy, local law enforcement, and everyone involved for all the love, support, resources over the last few days,” she wrote.

Christine said she, Nolan’s father Elmore Wonsley, and the rest of the family are overwhelmed with grief following the heartbreaking loss.

“My heart is broken for my sweet son who was always willing to cheer and uplift others,” she wrote. “Nolan was a special soul. God took His time creating our son.”

She ended her message by asking for privacy as the family mourns.

Just hours before sharing the devastating news, Christine had posted recent photos of Nolan smiling on a boat with friends, holding onto hope that he would be found alive.

Known to family and friends as “Nono,” Nolan had traveled to Horn Island to celebrate the holiday weekend before he disappeared.

The search brought together numerous agencies, including the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department, the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources, Gulf Islands National Seashore, the U.S. Coast Guard, and volunteer crews from the United Cajun Navy.

During the search, Christine also revealed that Nolan had become separated from his cellphone, which was later recovered and returned to the family.

According to United Cajun Navy Incident Commander Josh Gill, Nolan was reportedly last seen spending time with a young woman before he vanished.

In an earlier Facebook post, Christine described the anguish her family was experiencing as they waited for answers.

“His father, Elmore Wonsley, and I are not OK,” she wrote. “We have so many questions. Our hearts are breaking. We keep waiting for Nolan to walk through that door with his beautiful smile and, of course, one of his jokes.”

“We just pray our son is alive and safe.”

The investigation into the circumstances surrounding Nolan’s death remains ongoing, and authorities have not yet released additional details.