BREAKING: Attorney Ben Crump Speaks Out After Meeting With Nolan Wells’ Family — Investigation Will Go to Grand Jury

Ocean Springs, Mississippi — Civil rights attorney Ben Crump has delivered a strong update after meeting with the family of 18-year-old Nolan Xavier Wells and Jackson County District Attorney Angel Myers McIlrath.

Crump announced that once investigators finish collecting all evidence, the results of the death investigation will be presented to a grand jury.

“Nolan’s family still has no answers about how their son went to Horn Island and never came home,” Crump said. “A thorough investigation must be completed, and the district attorney must put every relevant fact before the grand jury. Nothing held back. Nothing overlooked.”

What Happened

Nolan Xavier Wells, a student-athlete and wide receiver at Southwest Mississippi Community College, traveled by boat to Horn Island on July 4, 2026, with a group of friends to celebrate the Fourth of July.

He was last seen on the island around 3 p.m. When the boat left later that afternoon, Nolan was not on it. His mother reported him missing that night.

A multi-agency search involving the U.S. Coast Guard, National Park Service, and local authorities followed. On the morning of July 6, a park ranger discovered Nolan’s body in the water near the northwestern tip of Horn Island.

The official cause of death has not been released. Both the state autopsy and an independent autopsy commissioned by the family are still pending, including toxicology results.

The Fight for Answers

From the beginning, Nolan’s parents, Christine and Elmore Wonsley, have said they do not believe the full story has been told. They retained Ben Crump early in the investigation to conduct an independent review, examine Nolan’s cellphone, and press for complete transparency.

GPS data from the boat has been reviewed and reportedly matches witness accounts of the trip’s timeline. However, the family continues to raise questions about how their son was left behind and what exactly happened in his final hours.

Authorities have stated they have found no immediate signs of foul play, but the investigation remains active.

What Comes Next

Crump’s announcement that the case will go before a grand jury marks a significant step. The grand jury will review the evidence and decide whether any charges should be filed.

Nolan’s funeral is scheduled for Monday at Center Pointe Church in Ocean Springs. Actor Tyler Perry has covered the funeral expenses.

The family is still waiting for answers. They are still waiting for the full truth about what happened to their son on Horn Island.

Justice for Nolan Wells remains the demand.