parks
18-year-old found dead on island after vanishing on Fourth of July trip, family says
By Will Polston, Akim Powell at KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS)
· July 6, 2026
· 1 min read
JACKSON COUNTY, Miss. (WLOX/Gray News) - An 18-year-old in Mississippi was found dead after vanishing on the Fourth of July, according to authorities.The body, believed to be that of 18-year-old Nolan Xavier Wells, was found around 8:45 a.m. by a park ranger.The sheriff also said the body found d...
Key takeaway (WLOX/Gray News) - An 18-year-old in Mississippi was found dead after vanishing on the Fourth of July, according to authorities.
Why this matters in The Midland
The tragic loss of a young life in Mississippi serves as a somber reminder for Midland residents to exercise caution during outdoor activities, particularly on water. While the incident occurred outside of the Permian Basin area, it highlights the importance of being prepared and aware of potential hazards when engaging in recreational activities. In Midland, where outdoor recreation is a popular pastime, residents should take heed of the risks associated with water sports and boating. The incident also underscores the value of swift and coordinated search efforts, which can make a significant difference in locating missing individuals. As the community in Mississippi comes to terms with the loss of Nolan Xavier Wells, Midland residents can learn from the incident and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety during summer outings.
About this story
Original reporting by KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) . The Midland 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 KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: parks ·
Published: July 6, 2026 ·
Source: KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? JACKSON COUNTY, Miss. (WLOX/Gray News) - An 18-year-old in Mississippi was found dead after vanishing on the Fourth of July, according to authorities.The body, believed to be that of 18-year-old Nolan Xavier Wells, was found around 8:45 a.m. by a park ranger.The sheriff also said the body found d...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 6, 2026 by KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) and curated for The Midland readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Will Polston, Akim Powell at KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS). To learn more about how The Midland selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more parks coverage from The Midland, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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