(NewsNation) — Nolan Wells, the 18-year-old found dead after disappearing after a July 4 party on Mississippi's Horn Island, was heavily drinking before his death, witnesses claim.

According to a preliminary document obtained by ABC News from the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources, witnesses told investigators they saw Wells consuming a large quantity of alcohol while partying with his friends.

The email was sent July 5 and circulated to search crews a day after Wells was reported missing.

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Wells' body was found two days after he disappeared on the shore of Horn Island.

Wells traveled to the island for a party with friends but reportedly stayed behind while they left because of boat trouble, saying he would get home another way. His friends have publicly said he was drinking with them while on the island.

Tracestin Shepherd, a friend of Wells, has publicly spoken about the last time he saw Wells. He didn't travel with Wells to the party but was part of a large group on the island and said he spent most of the day with them.

Shepherd said he left the island with his uncle after getting into an altercation with some people.

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The MDMR's document cites Wells was also "in the company of an unknown female." That woman has been identified as Katie McCormack; however, her sister disputes the reports, saying the pair spoke only very briefly and that the family has cooperated with investigators.

Authorities have suggested Wells' death was an accidental drowning, although autopsy results from the state's medical examiner are still pending.

 Nolan Wells' friends reportedly called for help from broken-down boat 

The results of a private autopsy of Wells came back inconclusive. Preliminary findings show the Mississippi teen's cause and manner of death are undetermined and require further investigation, according to a report by Roger Mitchell, the president of the National Medical Association.

About 60 witnesses have been interviewed so far in the investigation.

NewsNation's Steph Whiteside, Alicia Sitz and Taylor Delandro contributed to this report.

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