New details are emerging after the body of 18-year-old Nolan Xavier Wells was recovered days after he disappeared while celebrating the 4th of July on Horn Island, Mississippi.

Wells was reported missing after spending the holiday weekend with friends on the island. According to authorities, he was last seen around 3 p.m. on July 4 at the island’s north end, where witnesses said he was “talking to a girl.” His body was found on Monday, July 6.

While investigators continue to piece together what happened, officials do not suspect foul play was involved.

On July 8, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation remains active as detectives work to determine exactly what happened to the teenager.

In a public statement, the agency asked anyone who saw Wells that day or had any interaction with him to come forward. Investigators are also seeking photos or videos taken on Horn Island, especially any “depicting alleged altercations or containing images of, or believed to include Nolan Wells.”

His friends left the island without him
Authorities additionally asked anyone who “observed or heard an argument, disturbance, or other unusual activity while on the island that day” to contact investigators.

The sheriff’s office also addressed the growing speculation surrounding the case online, acknowledging “a significant amount of information, speculation, and commentary” circulating on social media. Officials said they are focused on establishing the facts through eyewitness testimony, physical evidence, and other reliable information.

Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter previously told ABC News investigators believe Wells’ friends left the island without him.

“From what we understand, he chose to stay there,” Ledbetter said, according to UNILAD.

Now, the mother of one of the friends who was with Wells that day has publicly shared her family’s account of what happened.

“Deserve the truth”
In a Facebook post, Ashlee Cole offered condolences to Wells’ family while stressing that her family is cooperating with the investigation.

“No one in our family is trying in any way to impede with the investigation by law enforcement or to otherwise hamper the family and law enforcement’s quest for answers,” she wrote.

Cole confirmed that her son last saw Wells “at around 3pm on July 4th.”

She also explained why Wells was allegedly left behind on the island.

“They left around 4:30 pm when the boat was taking on water and they had an issue with the bilge pump. Nolan made a decision to stay on the island and return inland later with another group of friends.”

Cole, who serves as a judge in Jackson County, said she “values transparency.”

“My family is hopeful that this information will help to redirect the attention to the Wells family, their grief, and their need for our community’s support,” she concluded.

The family is searching for answers
Wells’ mother, Christine Wonsley, also shared an emotional tribute following the discovery of her son’s body.

“My heart is broken for our sweet son who was always willing to cheer and uplift others. Nolan was a special soul,” she wrote in a social media post on Monday.

The family has since retained civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who said they are seeking answers about what happened.

Writing on X, Crump said Wells’ 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,” he added.

According to ABC News, Crump also said an independent autopsy will be conducted in Washington, D.C. A separate autopsy was performed Tuesday, though CBS reported the findings were not immediately released.

Meanwhile, Ledbetter told ABC News investigators are trying to locate the first person who posted a social media video in which what appears to be arguing can be heard in the background.

Authorities have not confirmed whether the video is authentic or whether it is connected to Wells’ death.