The heartbroken mother of a Mississippi football player who went missing on a local island on the Fourth of July remembered her son as a “special soul” after his body was discovered following a two-day search.
Nolan Xavier Wells’ devastated mother, Christine Wansley, spoke out hours after authorities discovered a body believed to be that of her 18-year-old son, who mysteriously disappeared after a boat ride with friends Saturday afternoon on Horn Island, a popular barrier island about 10 miles off the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
The heartbroken mother of Mississippi State football player Noah Xavier Wells, who disappeared on a local island on the Fourth of July, remembered her son as a “special soul” after his body was discovered after a two-day search. Facebook/Christine Wansley
Nolan Wells (second from right) with friends on a boat during the Fourth of July celebration. Facebook/Christine Wansley
“I want to thank our family, friends, community, United Cajun Navy, local law enforcement and everyone involved in the project for all the love, support and resources over the last few days,” Wansley wrote in an emotional Facebook post Monday afternoon.
“His father, our family, friends and I are absolutely devastated. My heart is broken for my sweet son who was always willing to cheer and encourage others,” she said.
“Nolan was a special soul, God took his time creating our son. I ask that you please give me and my family time to grieve.”
Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter told The Post that the body was found about 8:45 a.m. Monday in the water offshore on the northwest tip of the island and that it “did match the description” of Wells.
Wansley has flooded Facebook with photos of her son working at Southwest Mississippi College since the day he disappeared, desperately asking for information as authorities searched for him.
Photos of the teen, who reportedly played football at Ocean Springs High School, show him shirtless, wearing blue swim trunks, sunglasses and smiling with friends on a boat before he went missing.
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United Cajun Navy, a nonprofit disaster relief group that joined the frantic search, said the mission was called off after authorities discovered the body.
“At this time, officials have not confirmed the identity of the person found,” the group posted on Facebook.
Authorities have discovered a body believed to be that of Wells, who mysteriously disappeared after a boating trip with friends Saturday afternoon on Horn Island, a popular barrier island about 10 miles off the Mississippi Gulf Coast. United Cajun Fleet
“Our hearts are with Nolan’s family, friends, first responders and all those affected as they await official confirmation. Please keep all those affected in your thoughts and prayers.”
Ledbetter said the coroner’s office will determine the identity of the body and cause of death.
Wansley stressed that any GoFundMe campaigns or fundraisers created in Wells’ name were not organized by her, her husband, family or friends.
“So if you see anything, please report it as untrue,” she said. “We will notify everyone if we decide to create one.”