local
Family continues search for answers after Mississippi teen found dead following July 4 boat trip
By Scripps News Group at KXXV (ABC 25) News
· July 8, 2026
· 2 min read
A body believed to be that of 18-year-old Nolan Xavier Wells was found in the water off Horn Island, Mississippi, where he was last seen with a group of friends Saturday afternoon, officials said.Searchers discovered the body on Monday, but the cause of death has yet to be determined. No signs of...
Key takeaway "From the people we've talked to, it sounds like he chose to stay on the island with the assumption that he was going to ride back to the mainland with someone else," Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter told The Associated Press.
Why this matters in The Waco
The death of Nolan Xavier Wells, a young man with ties to Mississippi, has sent shockwaves through communities in the South, including Waco . As the investigation into his disappearance and death continues, local residents may be reminded of the importance of water safety and the potential risks associated with recreational activities on lakes, rivers, and coastlines. In McLennan County, where Waco is located, residents often enjoy outdoor activities on the Brazos River and surrounding lakes, making the circumstances of Wells' death a sobering reminder to always prioritize safety and caution when in or near the water. The fact that Wells was a college student and athlete, with his whole life ahead of him, makes his death all the more tragic, and his family's search for answers is likely to resonate with many in Waco who have experienced similar losses or have concerns about the safety of their own loved ones.
About this story
Original reporting by KXXV (ABC 25) News . The Waco surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KXXV (ABC 25) News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 8, 2026 ·
Source: KXXV (ABC 25) News ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A body believed to be that of 18-year-old Nolan Xavier Wells was found in the water off Horn Island, Mississippi, where he was last seen with a group of friends Saturday afternoon, officials said.Searchers discovered the body on Monday, but the cause of death has yet to be determined. No signs of...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 8, 2026 by KXXV (ABC 25) News and curated for The Waco readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Scripps News Group at KXXV (ABC 25) News. To learn more about how The Waco selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Waco, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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