Search is on for teen missing after Fourth of July celebration on Horn Island
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The search is on for a missing Mississippi Coast teen, who was last seen Saturday around 3 p.m. on Horn Island celebrating Independence Day, according to Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter.
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Department, the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department, the United States Coast Guard and the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources are among the outfits searching for 18-year-old Nolan Wells.
The United Cajun Navy is also assisting, currently searching Wells’ last known location on the east end of Horn Island, according to incident commander Josh Gill. The Cajun Navy is also prepared to provide additional assets to the Coast Guard, if needed, Gill said.
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office says it is not known if Wells is on the island. According to his mother, Christine Wonsley, Nolan is not believed to have left the island.
This story was originally published July 5, 2026 at 11:08 AM.