local
‘Nobody would ever hurt Nolan:’ Friend of Nolan Wells speaks out after 18-year-old was found dead
By KGNS — Sitewide
· 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 Laredo News
This story, although unfolding in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, resonates with the Laredo community as it grapples with the consequences of underage drinking and the importance of group safety during celebrations. The fact that Nolan Wells and his friends had been drinking alcohol since the late morning on July 4 serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with excessive drinking, especially among young people. In Laredo, where outdoor gatherings and celebrations are common, the community must come together to ensure that such tragedies are prevented. The investigation into Wells' death will undoubtedly shed more light on the events surrounding his passing, but for now, it serves as a cautionary tale for parents, educators, and community leaders in Laredo to reinforce the message of responsible behavior and the need for young people to look out for one another.
About this story
Original reporting by KGNS — Sitewide . Laredo News 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 KGNS — Sitewide . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 13, 2026 ·
Source: KGNS — Sitewide ·
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 KGNS — Sitewide and curated for Laredo News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by KGNS — Sitewide. To learn more about how Laredo News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Laredo News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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