GPS data from the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (MSDMR) has tracked the movements of a vessel involved in the July 4 disappearance of 18-year-old Nolan Wells. The boat arrived at Horn Island at 11:14 a.m. and departed at 4:31 p.m. without Wells on board. After returning to a dock, the boat traveled to Fort Bayou and was later towed to a private residence in Biloxi.
The MSDMR report stated that the boat's owner, the owner's mother, and another individual present on the day of the incident have cooperated with investigators. Control of the investigation was transferred from the MSDMR to the Jackson County Sheriff's Office on July 5. Wells was last reported seen on the island at 3:00 p.m., and his body was recovered off the coast on July 6.
An initial autopsy was performed on July 7, though results were not publicly released. Attorney Ben Crump, representing the Wells family, stated that an independent autopsy is being conducted in Washington, D.C. Wells' parents have stated they do not believe their son remained on the island voluntarily, citing his character and swimming abilities. The investigation into the circumstances of his death remains active.