Nolan Wells Horn Island Missing - Ocean Springs Soccer Player Nolan Xavier Wells Missing

The search for an 18‑year‑old Black college football player who went missing following a trip to Horn Island near Ocean Springs, Mississippi has gained the attention of the Jackson Co Sheriff Department DMR and Coast Guard, and an urgent search has begun to bring him home safe.

Nolan Xavier Wells, who is 6'1" tall and weighs about 180 pounds, is the name of the missing youngster. On Saturday afternoon, July 4, 2026, at approximately 3:00 p.m., he was last seen sporting sunglasses, a black short swimmers, and no shirt. Family relatives report that he has been absent for about a day.

According to authorities, he was reportedly out with friends, yet no one seems to know what happened or where he might be. As far as the family knows, he did not leave the island and might still be on the island but the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department says it is not verified if Nolan is currently on Horn Island.

If you were on or near Horn Island at the time or traveled by boat in the surrounding area, take a moment to think back. Did you see anything unusual? Even the smallest detail could make a difference.

Nolan is a great young man who is in his prime of a great football career at Ocean Springs High School.

As the hunt continues on the following day, the United Cajun Navy is requesting public assistance.

He is being sought for by volunteer search teams, the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources, the U.S. Coast Guard, Jackson County Sheriff's Department, Harrison County Sheriff's Office, and Gulf Islands National Seashore.

Helicopters, planes, and many drones are all in the air helping with the search.

Share this message to assist his family in spreading the information. The likelihood of getting Nolan home safely increases with the timely delivery of reliable information to the rightful people.

If you have any information about Nolan’s whereabouts, please call 911 immediately, contact your local law enforcement agency, or reach out to: Josh Gill, Incident Commander United Cajun Navy at 985-507-2263.

The smallest detail could be the one that brings him home.