local
Parents of Nolan Wells, teen found dead on island, don't believe he chose to stay behind: "That's not his character"
By Mark Osborne at CBS Texas (KTVT) DFW
· July 10, 2026
· 4 min read
The parents of Mississippi teen Nolan Wells, who was found dead after going missing following an outing on Horn Island on the Fourth of July, said they don't believe their son would've stayed behind on the island by choice when his friends left by boat."No, he wouldn't. Nolan always stays with th...
Key takeaway Nolan always stays with the group," Elmore Wonsley, Nolan's father, told "CBS Mornings.
Why this matters in Southlake News
The tragic death of Nolan Wells on Horn Island has sent shockwaves across the nation, and while the incident occurred outside of Southlake , it resonates with local parents who worry about the safety of their teenagers during outings with friends. In a community like Southlake, where water sports and lake activities are popular, the incident serves as a stark reminder for parents to reinforce the importance of group safety and accountability. As the investigation into Wells' death continues, Southlake residents may be prompted to reexamine their own emergency protocols and communication strategies for when their children are out with friends, ensuring that everyone returns home safely. The fact that Wells' friends are cooperating with the investigation may also raise questions about the dynamics of group outings and the responsibilities that come with looking out for one another, a concern that is just as relevant in Southlake as it is in Mississippi.
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 10, 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 parents of Mississippi teen Nolan Wells, who was found dead after going missing following an outing on Horn Island on the Fourth of July, said they don't believe their son would've stayed behind on the island by choice when his friends left by boat."No, he wouldn't. Nolan always stays with th...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 10, 2026 by CBS Texas (KTVT) DFW and curated for Southlake News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Mark Osborne 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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