local
‘Nobody would ever hurt Nolan:’ Friend of Nolan Wells speaks out after 18-year-old was found dead
By KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS)
· July 13, 2026
· 3 min read
OCEAN SPRINGS, Miss. (WLOX/Gray News) - A friend of 18-year-old Nolan Wells is now speaking out about what he saw on the Fourth of July.In an interview that aired Monday on Good Morning America, Tracestin Shepherd said that he and the other young people who were on the trip have been devastated b...
Key takeaway (WLOX/Gray News) - A friend of 18-year-old Nolan Wells is now speaking out about what he saw on the Fourth of July.
Why this matters in The Midland
The death of 18-year-old Nolan Wells has sent shockwaves through the community, and as the investigation continues, Midland residents are left to wonder about the safety of their own young people during celebrations and outings. While the incident occurred in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, the fact that a group of friends can become separated and something tragic can happen is a concern that resonates locally. In Midland, where outdoor recreation and social gatherings are common, the story of Nolan Wells serves as a stark reminder for parents and young people alike to prioritize safety and accountability. As the new school year approaches, it's a timely opportunity for local families and friend groups to reassess their own dynamics and protocols for staying together and looking out for one another, especially in situations involving alcohol and social media.
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: local ·
Published: July 13, 2026 ·
Source: KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? OCEAN SPRINGS, Miss. (WLOX/Gray News) - A friend of 18-year-old Nolan Wells is now speaking out about what he saw on the Fourth of July.In an interview that aired Monday on Good Morning America, Tracestin Shepherd said that he and the other young people who were on the trip have been devastated b...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 13, 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 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 local coverage from The Midland, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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