From the air, the beaches of Horn Island appear free of oil from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, Saturday, June 26, 2010. (James Edward Bates/Biloxi Sun Herald/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
Nolan Xavier Wells‘ friends are speaking out as the 18-year-old’s body was found on Horn Island, Mississippi, on Monday, July 6. According to the Sun Herald, Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter told the outlet that a park ranger found Nolan at approximately 8:40 a.m by search crews at the western tip of the island. Nolan was reported missing after last being seen in the area while celebrating the Fourth of July on Saturday.
Nolan Xavier Wells’ friends are speaking out after learning of his death. He was a student at Southwest Mississippi Community College, where he played on the football team. According to the Sun Herald, Nolan’s parents, Christine and Elmore Wonsley, were present as their child’s body was brought to shore.
The young man’s friends comforted them as they shared stories about him. His childhood friends described the teen as an “easy-going young man” with a calming influence who broke up arguments when they were young. Nolan was also described as someone who was always smiling and “friendly to everyone.” “He could spark up a whole room,” said one friend.
Jayvon Williams, 17, is Nolan’s best friend. Jayvon said that he rode out to the island on a different boat than Nolan. However, he remembers seeing him there.
“As soon as we got out there, he told me that he loved me,” said Jayvon.
The teen added that Nolan talked to some other people on the island as well as a girl, and he last saw him around 4 p.m.
Nolan’s friend Trace Carter was at the shore as officials recovered his remains. Trace revealed that he’d spoken to his friend before the outing and warned him to be careful.
Trace said that he told Nolan, “Just hit me up when you get back. Just be careful, bro. Watch out for yourself.”
Nolan allegedly replied, “I got you. Ill hit you up later.”
Nolan was going to turn 19 this August, and the granny of one of Nolan’s childhood friends, Doris Hands, said he called her Mama D. Hands also said that Nolan was well-mannered and “was a good person” who loves sports. It really, really hurts, said Hands. After the first day and no contact, I expected this.”
