The mystery around Nolan Wells’ death has been deepening, and the circumstances still remain unclear. Here's the latest update on the case.

Published on: Aug 23, 2026, 14:03:05 IST

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The mystery around Nolan Wells’ death has been deepening, and the circumstances still remain unclear. Meanwhile, according to information obtained by PEOPLE through an open records request, Jackson County has not recorded a drowning death on Horn Island in the past six years.

This raised questions and made the mystery even deeper as authorities initially believed Wells had drowned and said they had not found evidence of foul play. However, his death is still under investigation, with his family and attorney raising questions about what happened to him.

The Ocean Springs, Mississippi teen was found dead in the water on the northwest end of Horn Island on Monday morning, July 6. Wells went missing on July 4 after taking a boat to the island with friends. The search for the teen was called off after a body was found by a park ranger on Monday, July 6.

Despite the newly surfaced information about Jackson County drowning deaths, it is important to note that it does not mean there have been no drownings in the surrounding area. One drowning investigation was recorded at nearby Petit Bois Island during the same period, and in 2022, a teenage girl was also hospitalized in critical condition after she got caught in the water near Dauphin Island, AOL reported.

Horn Island is known for strong currents. There are areas that can become deep quickly. However, recent records suggest that fatal drownings there are uncommon.

Latest update

Meanwhile, three of Wells’ friends intend to sue Rev. Al Sharpton for defamation, alleging that his public comments have damaged their reputations. Attorneys for Warren Hudson, Jax Pitalo and Morgan Seymour said in a letter threatening legal action that Sharpton’s remarks during several public appearances portrayed the three young men as criminals and subjected them to threats.

“Smearing the reputation of innocent young men mourning the loss of their friend to score cheap political points will prove far easier than explaining yourself under oath,” the letter stated. “Indeed, you will find dealing with us to be an altogether different experience than indulging in a slanderous rampage applauded by the fawning sycophants in the echo chamber of your inner circle.”

The letter described Sharpton as a “Megalodon-esque devourer of reputations” and dismissed claims that the three friends may have been involved in Wells’ death. Attorneys challenged claims made about Wells’ keys and allegations that messages may have been deleted from the teen’s phone.

The attorneys demanded a response from Sharpton within ten days.

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