Nolan Wells Update: Sheriff Says It’s Important ‘We Don’t Rush Ourselves’ in Teen Death Investigation

Multiple questions surround the death of Nolan Wells, who vanished during a Fourth of July outing to Mississippi’s Horn Island with three friends and was later discovered dead.

Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter said in a Tuesday, July 14, interview on Good Morning America (via People) that it’s “important we don’t put ourselves on a timetable” when it comes to the case and “that we don’t rush ourselves.”

However, he added, “I do think it’s important to be diligent in gathering all the facts. That’s what the family deserves.”

As Globe previously reported, after the 18-year-old disappeared, his body was found in the water near the island two days later following an extensive search.

While investigators have said drowning is suspected, they haven’t released an official cause of death, and the case remains under investigation.

According to People, Ledbetter said the public is still being asked to provide authorities with photos and videos from anyone on the island that day.

“Even if you may think it might be insignificant, every little bit helps,” he said. “That may be a bigger contribution than you think to this case.”

When it comes to questions of alcohol being involved, Ledbetter added, “Of course the rumors are out there. We don’t respond to rumors. We respond to facts.”

Regardless, Wells may not have been intoxicated at the time.

Brian Trascher, vice president and spokesman for the United Cajun Navy — which assisted in the search — told People, “My understanding is that even though there was pictures of the boys drinking beer and stuff, Nolan’s blood alcohol level was not at an intoxicated level.”

As previously reported, the three friends who accompanied the Mississippi college football player have retained attorneys. Civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump is representing Wells’ family.

Wells’ family has pushed back on the claim that the teen voluntarily stayed behind on the island, and they’ve hired Crump to conduct a separate investigation into his death.

One of Wells’ friends, Tracestin Shepherd, has since spoken with Good Morning America.

“We did no wrong here, and we don’t understand how we’re getting so much hate behind us,” Shepherd said during his appearance on Monday. “We all cared and loved Nolan, and nobody wanted to see Nolan die. Nobody wanted to see his life be taken so short.”