A devastating search over the holiday weekend has come to a heartbreaking conclusion. On Monday, July 6, family members officially identified a body recovered on Horn Island as 18-year-old Nolan Xavier Wells, who had been missing since the Fourth of July.

The tragic update brings a somber end to an intensive, multi-agency search and rescue operation that gripped the Mississippi Gulf Coast over the weekend.

Nolan had traveled to Horn Island, a highly popular holiday destination for boaters and campers, on Saturday, July 4, to celebrate Independence Day with a group of friends.

According to reports, what began as a fun day out on the water quickly turned into every parent’s worst nightmare. While enjoying the holiday festivities and swimming with his friends, Nolan suddenly became separated from the group and disappeared beneath the water. Realizing he hadn’t resurfaced, his friends and family raised the alarm, prompting an urgent emergency response.

Local emergency crews, marine patrol units, and the U.S. Coast Guard quickly mobilized, launching a massive search effort that spanned the barrier island’s coastline and the surrounding waters. Throughout the remainder of the holiday weekend, Nolan’s loved ones and community members held out hope, assisting authorities and keeping a watchful eye on the coast.

The search unfortunately shifted to a recovery operation when a body was located on the island. On Monday morning, officials confirmed that family members had positively identified the body as Nolan.