United Cajun Navy leader describes hazardous rip currents near site where teen Nolan Wells was found dead
Eighteen-year-old Nolan Wells disappeared on July 4 while on Horn Island, Mississippi; his body was recovered two days later. A United Cajun Navy official said the area is known for strong rip currents that can overwhelm swimmers.
An 18-year-old from Mississippi vanished during a July 4 boat outing to Horn Island, a barrier island off the Gulf Coast. National Park Service rangers recovered his remains on the island’s northwestern tip on July 6 after a multi-agency search.
Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter said investigators believe Wells chose to remain on the island after his friends returned to the mainland. The sheriff’s office has not identified any evidence of foul play.
United Cajun Navy Vice President Brian Trascher told Fox News Digital that locals refer to the stretch of water between Horn Island and nearby Ship Island as a “washing machine” because of frequent drownings caused by strong rip currents. Trascher said witnesses described the current on July 4 as “extremely strong,” and noted that water depth can change rapidly in the area.
"A strong rip current can overpower even an experienced swimmer, especially if panic, sun exposure or alcohol are factors," Trascher said.
Trascher also highlighted the lack of eyewitness accounts between the time Wells was last seen around 4 p.m. on July 4 and the discovery of his body, calling the gap in the timeline a “gaping hole” that still needs to be addressed.
Attorney Ben Crump reported that an independent autopsy noted a red discoloration on Wells’ head, but the pathologist could not determine a cause or manner of death pending further investigation. Forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Baden said the injury could be consistent with a superficial impact from debris in the water and did not necessarily indicate foul play.
The official autopsy results have not yet been released.