Rescuer says Nolan Wells was found near his last known spot
United Cajun Navy’s Brian Trascher told TMZ rough water may explain why Nolan Wells’ body was discovered near where he was last seen.
By Bianca Rossi · Entertainment Editor
2 min read
Nolan Wells’ body was found close to the place where he was last seen alive, according to a search-and-rescue volunteer who helped look for the 18-year-old from the air.
Brian Trascher, vice president of the United Cajun Navy, told TMZ In The Know that his team joined the search around Horn Island before Wells’ body was discovered along the island’s shoreline on July 6.
Trascher said weather forced searchers to change their approach as the effort moved into a second day. His team eventually went airborne so they could scan more territory from above.
According to Trascher, he and a pilot had been in the air for about two hours when they spotted multiple law enforcement boats heading toward the northwest tip of Horn Island. They moved closer and saw a body in the water near the shore, floating face down, he told TMZ.
Trascher said he was about 400 feet above the scene, so he could not identify the person’s face or see whether there were injuries. He told TMZ the body fit Wells’ description, and the location stood out because it was so near Wells’ last known position.
Rescuer points to water conditions
Trascher also offered TMZ his view of how Wells may have ended up there, while making clear he was speaking as a search-and-rescue professional and not as an investigator.
Based on the recovery location, Trascher said he believes a rip current may have pulled Wells away before a tide change pushed him back toward the beach. He said the closeness of the discovery site to where Wells was last seen was the detail that surprised him most.
Authorities have said they believe Wells drowned and have not found evidence of a crime, according to TMZ. Wells’ family has questioned the drowning theory, saying he was a strong swimmer.
Family presses for answers
Wells was laid to rest Monday in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, with the Rev. Al Sharpton officiating the funeral, TMZ reported.
Sharpton offered $50,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction in Wells’ death, according to TMZ. He also announced that Tyler Perry would match that amount, raising the possible reward to $100,000.
The case has drawn continued attention as Wells’ family pushes for more answers about what happened off Horn Island. For now, the official position reported by TMZ remains that investigators believe Wells drowned and have not found evidence pointing to a crime.
This story draws on original reporting from TMZ.