The search for a Mississippi teenager who went missing over the holiday weekend has been called off after a body matching his description was recovered Monday morning, officials said.
A body was discovered in the water at about 8:45 a.m. local time Monday, just off shore on the northwest end of Horn Island, according to a report.
Official identification is still pending, but authorities stated that the recovery "does match the description" of Nolan Xavier Wells, 18.
The grassroots volunteer group United Cajun Navy released a statement on Monday afternoon announcing that search efforts had ceased.
"On behalf of the United Cajun Navy, we extend our deepest condolences to Nolan’s family, friends, teammates, and everyone whose lives were touched by him," the organization wrote. "We are grateful that Nolan’s family entrusted us to assist in this search."
Wells was last seen on the Fourth of July near Horn Island, according to authorities. A photo shared with police showed the teen smiling with friends on a boat that afternoon.
Search teams from the Jackson County Sheriff's Department, Department of Marine Resources, Gulf Islands National Seashore and U.S. Coast Guard combed the island and surrounding waters, establishing a centralized command post at the Lake Mars Boat Launch in Ocean Springs to coordinate the multi-agency effort.
Following the discovery of the body, Wells’ mother shared an emotional message on Facebook, expressing her devastation and grief for her son.
"His father, our family, friends and I are absolutely devastated," Christine Wonsley wrote. "My heart [is] broken for my sweet son who was always willing to cheer and uplift others. Nolan was a special soul, God took his time creating our son."
The family is also warning the community about online scammers attempting to capitalize on the tragedy, stating that no legitimate GoFundMe page has been created.
