Family Of Football Player, 18, Found Dead Makes Civil Rights Announcement

The family of an 18-year-old football player found dead over the Fourth of July weekend has made a civil rights announcement.

Nolan Wells, 18, was reportedly found dead after a holiday weekend with friends. His body was found at Horn Island in Mississippi. Investigators believe the body found is Wells. The body was found on the northwest tip of the island.

Wells' mother appeared to confirm that the body is of her son, who was set to turn 19 next month.

"I want to thank our family, friends, community, United Cajun Navy, local law enforcement, and everyone involved for all the love, support, resources over the last few days. His father, our family, friends and I are absolutely devastated. My heart is broken for our sweet son who was always willing to cheer and uplift others. Nolan was a special soul."

It's unclear what led to his death.

The family has since announced that Ben Crump, a prominent civil rights attorney, has been hired to represent the family.

"They(the family) deserve the truth. We will not rest until every fact about what happened to Nolan on Horn Island is brought into the light, and we call on investigators to pursue this case with the urgency and transparency this family deserves," the lawyer said.

The official cause of Wells' death has yet to be released.

An investigation into his death is underway.

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This story was originally published July 8, 2026 at 10:39 PM.