New details are shedding light on the final hours of 18 year old football player Nolan Xavier Wells before he disappeared during a Fourth of July gathering on the water and was later found dead following an extensive search off the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Photos shared by Wells’ family show the young athlete smiling aboard a boat with friends as they celebrated the holiday near Horn Island. No one knew at the time that it would be among the last images taken before he vanished.

According to his mother, Christine Wonsley, Wells was last seen around 3 p.m. on July 4 near the island’s northwestern shoreline. As concern grew, she turned to social media, asking anyone who had been on the island or nearby boats to send photos, videos, or any information that could help piece together his final movements.

At first, it was unclear whether Wells had ever made it back from the island. After he failed to return home, his mother reported him missing early Sunday, triggering a large scale search involving local, state, and volunteer rescue teams.

The heartbreaking search ended on Monday morning when a ranger with the National Park Service discovered a body in the water near the northwest end of Horn Island. Although officials initially awaited DNA confirmation, Wells’ family later announced that he had died.

In an emotional statement, Christine thanked everyone who had joined the search effort.

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

She also shared her grief over losing her son.

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

Authorities are continuing their investigation while the Jackson County Coroner’s Office works to officially confirm the identification through DNA testing. Investigators have not yet released the official cause or manner of death, and they have not announced any evidence of foul play.

Throughout the search, Christine regularly posted updates, revealing that Wells’ cellphone had been recovered separately from him and returned to the family. She also appealed directly to anyone who had visited Horn Island after 4:30 p.m. on July 4, asking them to check their phones for photos or videos that might help investigators understand what happened.

According to Josh Gill of the volunteer rescue group United Cajun Navy, Wells was reportedly last seen spending time with a young woman before disappearing, though investigators have not released additional details about those final moments.

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

During the search, Casey Vaughan urged anyone who had been boating near Horn Island to contact investigators if they had seen Wells or possibly given him a ride.

Following the discovery, the United Cajun Navy expressed its condolences, saying it was honored to support the Wells family during the search and thanking every agency and volunteer who participated in the mission.

Wells had recently begun playing wide receiver at Southwest Mississippi Community College after graduating from Ocean Springs High School, where he earned praise not only for his athletic ability but also for his character.

Ocean Springs football coach Jake Bramlett remembered Wells as a humble leader who treated others with kindness and respect.

Meanwhile, Southwest Mississippi Community College President J. Steven Bishop said the campus community was devastated by the loss, describing Wells as a well liked student whose positive spirit touched classmates, faculty, and staff alike.