New Evidence Suggests Nolan Wells Remained on Horn Island After Boat Departure
WHO:
ABC News - Nolan Wells, described as a Black male, 6'1" and 180 lbs.
TMZ - Witnesses who provided information to law enforcement regarding Wells' whereabouts.
WHAT:
ABC News - The report indicated that "when they left, (Nolan) was in the company of an unknown female and that he chose to remain at the island."
ABC News - The results of the first autopsy and the toxicology report have not been released.
ABC News - Nolan Wells went missing after drinking heavily with friends on Horn Island.
ABC News - Wells' friends reported returning to shore because their boat was taking on water.
ABC News - Wells was found dead near Horn Island days after Independence Day, with authorities stating it appeared he had drowned.
ABC News - An independent autopsy's results were ruled inconclusive, with the cause of death undetermined.
TMZ - New video evidence shows Nolan Wells was not aboard his friends' boat when it was being towed from Horn Island.
WHERE:
ABC News - Horn Island, Mississippi.
ABC News - Jackson County, where Wells' body was found.
WHEN:
ABC News - Nolan Wells went missing after July 4.
WHY:
ABC News - The report indicated it was "unknown" what Wells had eaten that day but described his alcohol intake as "heavy."
HOW:
TMZ - New video evidence shows Nolan Wells was not aboard his friends' boat when it was being towed from Horn Island, supporting witness accounts that he was still on the island after the boat departed.
ABC News - Investigators compiled a brief list of information about Wells to assist in the search.
TMZ - Authorities have evidence of Nolan being on the Mississippi barrier island after his friends' boat left.
(UPDATED July 28, 2026 21:22 UTC)
New video evidence has emerged showing that Nolan Wells was not on his friends' boat when it was being towed from Horn Island, which aligns with witness accounts that he remained on the island. The report also mentioned that when he left, Nolan was in the company of an unknown female. Meanwhile, the results of the first autopsy and the toxicology report have yet to be released.
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(UPDATED July 28, 2026 16:32 UTC)
Nolan Wells, a Black male standing 6'1" and weighing 180 pounds, went missing after a night of heavy drinking with friends on Horn Island, Mississippi. His friends reported returning to shore because their boat was taking on water, and days later, Wells was found dead near the island, with authorities stating it appeared he had drowned, although an independent autopsy ruled the cause of death inconclusive. New video evidence has emerged showing that Wells was not aboard his friends' boat when it was being towed from Horn Island, and investigators are using this information to assist in the ongoing search for answers.