Authorities in Mississippi have discovered a body on Horn Island amid an intensive search for 18-year-old Nolan Xavier Wells, who vanished on July 4 while visiting the popular barrier island.

Wells, of Ocean Springs, was last seen around 3 p.m. wearing blue swim trunks, no shirt, and sunglasses. He was reportedly hanging out with a girl before disappearing. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Department corrected earlier reports about his swim trunks color.

The discovery comes as search teams, including the U.S. Coast Guard, Mississippi Department of Marine Resources, Gulf Islands National Seashore, and United Cajun Navy, focused efforts on the east end of Horn Island. Wells’ family has appealed for any photos, videos, or information from visitors on the island that day.

His mother described Nolan as “one of the sweetest and kindest souls,” urging the public to come forward with any details that could help trace his movements. Officials are asking anyone who spoke with him, saw him, or may have given him a ride from the island to contact the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department immediately.

The identity of the body has not been officially confirmed, but the timing has heightened concerns for Wells’ loved ones. The search continues as investigators work to piece together the circumstances of his disappearance.

Source: WLOX