‘A true leader.’ Coach, players heartbroken over death of Nolan Wells
The tragic passing of 18-year-old Nolan Wells has left the Ocean Springs and South Mississippi community in a state of shock and mourning.
Wells was a standout football player at Ocean Springs High School and Southwest Mississippi Community College before his disappearance from Horn Island during the July 4 weekend just days ahead of he was due to report back to school for practice.
Though he would not make it, speaking to the friends, teammates and coaches who spent hours with Wells in the hallways, weight rooms and under the Mississippi sun, it’s clear Wells remains in the hearts of everyone he was around.
“Nolan was a remarkable and unique individual,” Greyhounds football coach Jake Bramlett said. “He always had a unique way of expressing himself that put everyone around him in a better mood no matter the situation. Our Ocean Springs football family and community are heartbroken. All I can ask is you pray for his family and brothers as they go through this tragedy and look to remember the light that Nolan brought to all of our lives.”
Wells was a two-time All-Region wide receiver at Ocean Springs. He caught 63 passes over his junior and senior seasons for 724 yards and 10 touchdowns. He was known as a selfless blocker in the run game and a selfless teammate on the sideline.
“I grew up with Nolan, and he’s one of my best friends,” said Sharroid Whitehead, who was a teammate of Wells on the football team. “He’s the most respectful (person) I know, he loves to help and is always happy.”
Wells was an integral piece of the Greyhounds’ region title runs in 2024 and 2025. In his time as a varsity player, he never lost a district game.
More importantly, Wells never let go of the connections he created within the community and continued to sow them even when he went off to Southwest Mississippi C.C.
“Nolan was one of the first people I ever met playing varsity football for Ocean Springs, and he welcomed me and so many more younger guys with open arms like a true leader,” former teammate and recently graduated linebacker Brody Saenz said. “Outside of football, he always brought great vibes to any occasion and was the type of guy who could make friends with anyone.
“He recently told me what I should expect for my upcoming freshman junior college season which I could always appreciate him for. Overall he was the perfect image for a great human and that is what makes Nolan so special to someone like me.”
That sentiment is common from teammates who felt the spirit Wells gave off each day.
“Being around Nolan made me and the people around him want to be better people on and off the field,” said Jacolby Bailey, a 2026 graduate linebacker. “If he saw someone not feeling themselves, he is going to pick them up. He was just a fun and joyful person to be around there was never a dull moment around him.”
Even Greyhounds of years past remember the light of Wells’ presence. He was just a sophomore when Alabama safety Bray Hubbard graduated from OSHS, but Wells left a lasting impression on him.
“He was a great teammate, but also an even greater person,” Hubbard said. “I want his family to know that he impacted a lot of people. He was a brother to me.
“Nolan was a guy that no matter the day he had a smile on his face. He was one of the hardest workers, he would just put his head down and work. I knew he had a bright future in football because when we played together my senior year he was one of our dudes and was reliable.”
This story was originally published July 7, 2026 at 5:30 PM.
