The family of Nolan Xavier Wells, an 18-year-old found dead following a July 4 boat excursion off the Gulf Coast, has hired civil rights attorney Ben Crump. An investigation into his disappearance continues.

Nolan’s body was discovered near Horn Island, Mississippi, after he was last seen with friends on a Saturday afternoon, officials confirmed. The family seeks answers regarding the incidents leading up to his death.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Crump emphasized the need for transparency. “We will not rest until every fact about what happened to Nolan on Horn Island is brought into the light. We call on investigators to pursue this case with the urgency and transparency this family deserves,” he said. Crump also recently represented the family of a Mississippi toddler who died due to police action.

According to Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter, Wells and his friends traveled by boat to the island on Saturday but he did not return with them later that day. Wells’ mother reported him missing that night. A rescue team discovered his body the following morning, his family reported. An autopsy was planned for Tuesday.

Ledbetter stated that Wells’ friends are cooperating with the investigation. “From the people we’ve talked to, it sounds like he chose to stay on the island with the assumption that he was going to ride back to the mainland with someone else,” Ledbetter explained to The Associated Press.

Wells, who was set to celebrate his 19th birthday soon, was a wide receiver for the Southwest Mississippi Community College football team.

His mother, Christine Wonsley, reached out via social media, requesting videos and documents from the island. “My heart is broken for our sweet son who was always willing to cheer and uplift others,” she expressed. “Nolan was a special soul. God took his time creating our son.”