The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office has reportedly shared a request for the public as school officials release statements following the death of Nolan Xavier Wells.
RELATED: UPDATE: Autopsy On Body Of Nolan Xavier Wells Reportedly Scheduled As Internet Users Send Support To His Mom & Family
Jackson County Sheriff’s Office Reportedly Shares Request For The Public
According to CBS News, Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter has informed the press that, as the investigation into the death of Nolan Xavier Wells unfolds, his friends have been cooperating with authorities.
“From the people we’ve talked to, it sounds like he chose to stay on the island with the assumption that he was going to ride back to the mainland with someone else,” Ledbetter explained.
In addition to the help from Wells’ apparent friends, the office is reportedly asking members of the public to reach out if they saw the 18-year-old while he was on Horn Island. Or if they had any direct interaction with him while they were on the island themselves. Per the outlet, the office is requesting “original, unedited photos and videos taken on the northwest tip of Horn Island.”
Specifically, the office would like photos or videos that show “alleged altercations or containing images of, or believed to include Nolan Wells.”
Furthermore, the office is also looking for individuals who “observed or heard an argument, disturbance, or other unusual activity while on the island that day” to come forward.
“What we have to go on in an investigation is original documentation and firsthand knowledge. One barrier we have is social media. We are in the process of documenting, verifying, and corroborating all that information. We have to authenticate everything,” Ledbetter reportedly stated in regard to previous tips stemming from floating social media posts, per the SunHerald.
Witnesses are encouraged to call the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department at 228-769-3065.
School Officials Release Statements Following Death Of Nolan Xavier Wells
According to WLOX, Nolan Xavier Wells was a “2025 graduate and multi-sport athlete” at Ocean Springs High School. In 2025, he had reportedly spoken to the outlet about continuing his football career at Southwest Mississippi Community College.
“It’s truly a blessing being here with some of my best friends and teammates, and most of us are all going to college together. It’s just truly a blessing,” Wells had said at the time.
Now, Jake Bramlett, the Ocean Springs Head Football Coach, shared a statement about his passing.
“We are devastated by Nolan’s passing. He was the kind of son, teammate, friend, and student that every coach hopes to have in a program. Nolan was so much more than an outstanding football player. He carried himself with humility, treated others with respect, worked hard, and led by example. His character spoke louder than his accomplishments, and he was loved deeply by his teammates and coaches. Our football family is grieving alongside Nolan’s parents, family, friends, classmates, teammates, and all who loved him.”
Additionally, Dr. Jacob Dykes, the Ocean Springs High School Principal, shared a statement:
“Nolan was a remarkable student, teammate, and brother. He will be remembered as an extremely kind and hardworking young man who left a lasting impression on his teachers, coaches, teammates, and community. Our thoughts are with his family and the many people he made a lasting impact on around him.”
Furthermore, Southwest Mississippi Community College also issued a statement following the discovery of Wells’ body. The college noted Wells as an “exemplary student, athlete, friend, and teammate.” Additionally, it noted that “professional counselors” and “local ministers” will be available as Wells’ teammates and friends return to campus.
More On The Discovery & Investigation Into Death Of Nolan Xavier Wells
As The Shade Room previously reported, news of Nolan Xavier Wells’ disappearance after visiting Horn Island on July 4 surfaced earlier this week. At the time, photos showed that he had reportedly traveled to the island with white friends. This, as the only Black teen.
By Monday, July 6, Wells’ body was discovered as conversation ensued about Black safety in white spaces. Since then, friends of the 18-year-old have spoken out as an autopsy was reportedly conducted on his body on Tuesday, July 7.
RELATED: What To Know About Horn Island, Where Nolan Xavier Wells Was Reportedly Last Seen Alive (PHOTOS + VIDEO)
More recently, Christine Wonsley, Nolan Wells’ mother, has been active on social media, mourning her son and sharing family photos. This, as she and her relatives reportedly retain civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump as the investigation into her son’s death unfolds.
