Nolan Xavier Wells’ disappearance over Fourth of July weekend has ended in tragedy.

The 18-year-old Mississippi football player was last seen on Saturday, July 4, around 3 p.m. on Horn Island after going there with friends by boat, according to local authorities. His mother later reported him missing late Saturday night, launching a large search effort across the island and surrounding waters.

On Monday morning, officials said a body believed to be Wells was found in the water on the northwest end of Horn Island. Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter said the body matched Wells’ description, while Jackson County Coroner Bruce Lynd said DNA testing would officially confirm the identity, though there was “no reason to believe it is not him.”

Wells’ mother, Christine Wonsley, later confirmed the devastating news on Facebook and thanked family, friends, local law enforcement, the United Cajun Navy and everyone who helped during the search. She described Nolan as a “special soul” and asked for privacy as the family grieves.

The search for Wells involved several agencies, including the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department, the Department of Marine Resources, Gulf Islands National Seashore, the U.S. Coast Guard and the United Cajun Navy.

At this time, officials have not released a cause of death. Ledbetter said there was currently no indication of drug or alcohol use, but more information is expected after the coroner’s investigation and toxicology report.

Wells was remembered as a standout young athlete who played football at Ocean Springs High School and Southwest Mississippi Community College. School officials and coaches shared emotional tributes, calling him kind, hardworking, respected and deeply loved by teammates, friends and faculty.

The case has drawn major attention online because of the unanswered questions surrounding Wells’ final hours on Horn Island. For now, authorities have not confirmed exactly what led to his death, and his family is asking for space as they mourn the heartbreaking loss.