New Evidence Emerges in Nolan Wells' Disappearance Case

WHO:

WLOX - Jackson County Chancery Judge Ashlee Cole is the stepmother of one of the three teens who made the trip to Horn Island with Wells.

WLOX - Tracestin Shepherd, a friend of Nolan Wells, stated, “It worries me for my friends. It worries me for my family,” regarding threats received by him and his friends.

WLOX - Tracestin Shepherd, a friend of Nolan Wells, expressed concern about threats received by him and his friends, stating, “It worries me for my friends. It worries me for my family.”

WLOX - Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter confirmed that the FBI is assisting in examining digital evidence collected in the investigation.

WLOX - Jackson County Chancery Judge Ashlee Cole addressed death threats made to her family amid the investigation.

CBS News - Nolan Wells, an 18-year-old, is the individual involved in the disappearance case.

NBC News - Friends of Nolan Wells are mentioned in relation to a call made to a private towing company.

WHAT:

WLOX - The FBI confirmed they are “working to address interstate threats that were received by individuals related to this matter,” although they did not identify the recipients.

WLOX - The Jackson County Sheriff’s office has interviewed more than 60 witnesses regarding the case.

WLOX - The FBI confirmed they are “working to address interstate threats that were received by individuals related to this matter,” although they did not identify the recipients.

WLOX - The FBI confirmed they are “working to address interstate threats that were received by individuals related to this matter.”

WLOX - More than 60 witnesses have been interviewed by the Jackson County Sheriff’s office regarding the case.

TMZ - Friends of Nolan Wells were heard in newly released audio stating, “We’re sinking. Can you all please come?” during a call for help when their boat malfunctioned.

NBC News - Friends of Nolan Wells were heard in newly released audio stating, “We’re sinking. Can you all please come?” during a call for help when their boat malfunctioned.

NY Post - The audio reveals that the boat started taking on water, prompting the friends to call for assistance.

CBS News - Nolan Wells was last seen on a boating trip to Horn Island.

CBS News - GPS data shows the movements of the boat before and after Wells' disappearance.

NBC News - New audio reveals friends of Nolan Wells calling for help, stating, “We’re sinking. Can you all please come?”

NBC News - Nolan Wells was found dead two days after the July 4 trip.

WHERE:

CBS News - The boating trip took place to Horn Island, which is located 10 miles from Mississippi's Gulf Coast.

NBC News - The call for help was made to a private towing company.

WHEN:

CBS News - Nolan Wells was last seen on July 4.

NBC News - Nolan Wells was found dead two days after the July 4 trip.

HOW:

WLOX - Dispatch audio from a private towing company was released, where a caller stated, “We’re sinking, can y’all please come?” and confirmed that everyone was on board and in good health.

WLOX - Dispatch audio from a private towing company was released, where a caller confirmed that everyone was on board and in good health during the distress call.

WLOX - Dispatch audio from a private towing company was released, where a caller stated, “We’re sinking, can y’all please come?” and confirmed that everyone was on board and in good health.

CBS News - The investigation into Nolan Wells' death is described as thorough, with assurances provided to his parents and legal team.

(UPDATED July 17, 2026 02:53 UTC)

In a developing situation, the FBI is actively addressing interstate threats related to a case involving three teens who traveled to Horn Island, although they have not disclosed the identities of those receiving the threats. Jackson County Chancery Judge Ashlee Cole is the stepmother of one of the teens, while a friend of another, Tracestin Shepherd, expressed concern for his friends and family due to these threats. Meanwhile, the Jackson County Sheriff's office has interviewed over 60 witnesses, and dispatch audio from a private towing company revealed a caller urgently requesting assistance, stating, “We’re sinking, can y’all please come?”

(UPDATED July 17, 2026 01:25 UTC)

Tracestin Shepherd, a friend of Nolan Wells, has voiced his concerns about threats directed at him and his friends, saying, “It worries me for my friends. It worries me for my family.” In response, the FBI has confirmed they are actively addressing interstate threats received by individuals connected to this situation, though they have not disclosed the identities of those involved. Additionally, audio from a private towing company has been released, confirming that everyone was on board and in good health during the distress call.

(UPDATED July 16, 2026 22:21 UTC)

Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter has confirmed that the FBI is assisting in the investigation by examining digital evidence, while Judge Ashlee Cole addressed death threats made against her family in connection with the case. The FBI is actively working to address interstate threats related to this matter, and over 60 witnesses have already been interviewed by the sheriff's office. Additionally, dispatch audio from a private towing company revealed a caller pleading for help, stating, “We’re sinking, can y’all please come?” and confirming that everyone on board was in good health.

(UPDATED July 16, 2026 21:19 UTC)

In a dramatic turn of events, friends of Nolan Wells were recorded in newly released audio pleading for assistance after their boat malfunctioned, saying, “We’re sinking. Can you all please come?” The call for help was made at 21:19 UTC, highlighting the urgency of the situation. Rescue efforts are expected to be underway as authorities respond to the distress signal.

(UPDATED July 16, 2026 15:28 UTC)

In a dramatic turn of events, friends of Nolan Wells were heard in newly released audio pleading for help, saying, “We’re sinking. Can you all please come?” The audio reveals that their boat began taking on water, which led them to urgently call for assistance. This situation highlights the dangers that can arise while out on the water.

(UPDATED July 16, 2026 14:37 UTC)

Nolan Wells, an 18-year-old, was last seen on a boating trip to Horn Island, located just ten miles from Mississippi's Gulf Coast, and was found dead two days later. New audio has emerged of his friends calling for help, pleading, “We’re sinking. Can you all please come?” The investigation into his death is being described as thorough, with officials providing reassurances to his parents and legal team.