CBS News has obtained GPS data from the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources tracking the movements of the boat that took Nolan Wells to Horn Island on July 4. Wells was reported missing after the trip and later found dead.
Boat Journey Details
The boat left a dock at 9:56 a.m. and arrived at Horn Island at 11:14 a.m. Wells did not return on the boat when it left the island at 4:31 p.m. It returned to its original dock and moved to Fort Bayou, then went back to the dock by 6:06 p.m. That evening, at 7:19 p.m., the boat went to Fort Bayou boat launch, then traveled over land to the Biloxi residence of the owners.
The owners and a person with Wells on the incident day have cooperated with the investigation, which was handed over to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office on July 5.
Discovery and Investigation
An undated family photo shows Wells with his mother, Christine Wonsley. Wells, 18, went missing on Horn Island after a holiday outing with friends. He was last seen at 3 p.m., according to attorney Ben Crump’s office. His body was discovered on July 6, following a search involving multiple agencies, and identified by dental records. An autopsy took place on July 7. The body was sent to Washington, D.C., for an independent autopsy.
Family’s Perspective
Wells’ parents, Christine and Elmore Wonsley, expressed disbelief that Wells would voluntarily stay behind. They spoke to “CBS Mornings” on July 10, emphasizing Nolan’s propensity to stay with groups. Elmore Wonsley conveyed his certainty that Nolan did not intentionally remain on the island.
Background Information
Nolan Wells was a student at Ocean Springs High School and part of Southwest Mississippi Community College’s football team. Ben Crump noted Wells was a competent swimmer. Mark Osborne contributed to this report.
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