local
Nolan Wells' family demands answers after missing teen found dead on Mississippi island
By CBS Texas at CBS Texas (KTVT) DFW
· July 8, 2026
· 4 min read
The family of Nolan Wells, a teenager found dead on an island off Mississippi after he had been missing for days, is seeking answers about the circumstances surrounding his death. They have retained civil rights attorney Ben Crump.Wells, 18, was last seen on July 4 on Horn Island, where he had ta...
Key takeaway Wells, 18, was last seen on July 4 on Horn Island, where he had taken a boat trip with friends to celebrate the holiday, officials said.
Why this matters in Southlake News
The death of Nolan Wells, an 18-year-old who attended Southwest Mississippi Community College, has sent shockwaves through the community. As the family seeks answers about the circumstances surrounding his death, residents in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, including Southlake , are likely to be watching the investigation closely. The fact that Wells was a talented athlete and a well-liked individual will likely resonate with local families who value the importance of community and the safety of their children. The retention of civil rights attorney Ben Crump by the Wells family also suggests that they may be preparing for a potentially lengthy and complex investigation. As the autopsy results are awaited, the community will be looking for transparency and urgency from the investigators to provide the family with the truth about what happened to Nolan on Horn Island. The outcome of this case may have implications for how families in Southlake and beyond think about water safety and the importance of accountability.
About this story
Original reporting by CBS Texas (KTVT) DFW . Southlake News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit CBS Texas (KTVT) DFW . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 8, 2026 ·
Source: CBS Texas (KTVT) DFW ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The family of Nolan Wells, a teenager found dead on an island off Mississippi after he had been missing for days, is seeking answers about the circumstances surrounding his death. They have retained civil rights attorney Ben Crump.Wells, 18, was last seen on July 4 on Horn Island, where he had ta...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 8, 2026 by CBS Texas (KTVT) DFW and curated for Southlake News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by CBS Texas at CBS Texas (KTVT) DFW. To learn more about how Southlake News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Southlake News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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