Key Witness: Investigators have identified the last girl believed to have been with Nolan Xavier Wells before his mysterious disappearance on Horn Island
A DESPERATE search is underway for a rising teenage football star who disappeared during July 4 celebrations.
Nolan Xavier Wells, 18, vanished on Saturday after he was last seen on Horn Island, Mississippi, at around 3pm.
The promising young football player was said to have been last seen wearing blue swim trunks, sunglasses and no shirt.
He is understood to have been celebrating July 4 weekend with friends when he went missing.
Cajun Navy Incident Commander Josh Gill told Nola.com he was last seen “hanging out with a girl”.
Wells’ mom Christine Wonsley confirmed on Facebook that her son was separated from his phone, which is now back with his family in Mississippi.
Gautier Mayor Casey Vaughan said: “If you were on Horn Island on July 4, traveled by boat in the area, or believe you may have seen Nolan or even given him a ride from the island, please contact authorities immediately.
“Even the smallest detail could make a difference.”
Nolan is described as 6-foot-1 tall and weighing 180 pounds.
The United Cajun Navy – who are helping with the search – wrote on Facebook: “The search for 18-year-old Nolan Wells continues, and the United Cajun Navy is actively assisting in search efforts alongside responding agencies and partners.
“Please continue to keep Nolan, his family, and all of the search teams in your prayers as efforts remain focused on bringing him home.”
Other agencies involved in the search are the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department, the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department, the United States Coast Guard and the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources.
