local
‘Nobody would ever hurt Nolan:’ Friend of Nolan Wells speaks out after 18-year-old was found dead
By WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate)
· 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 Nashville
The death of 18-year-old Nolan Wells has sent shockwaves through the community, and as the investigation continues, many in Nashville are left wondering about the safety of social gatherings, particularly those involving water and alcohol. While the incident occurred in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, the concerns it raises are just as relevant to Nashville's own waterways and social scenes. The fact that Wells was with a tight-knit group of friends, yet still managed to become separated and meet with tragedy, serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers that can arise in even the most seemingly safe and familiar environments. As the community awaits more information on the circumstances surrounding Wells' death, it's likely that local parents and young people will be re-examining their own approaches to socializing and celebrating, especially during events like the Fourth of July.
About this story
Original reporting by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . The Nashville 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 WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 13, 2026 ·
Source: WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 3 min
Get more The Nashville stories like this
Free weekly briefing covering local and other local news. Curated by our editorial team. No spam.
By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy . Unsubscribe anytime.
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 WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
← Back to all news
More local →
Today’s briefing
Subscribe to newsletter