“Number one, give the family space and time. They are still processing this tragic event, and all of Nolan’s close friends,” he said. “I’ll assure you that the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, we’re looking at this whole case just like we would any other case. And we’re going to be as thorough as we can.”
18-Year-Old Football Prospect Found Dead on Horn Island — His Mom Has One Request After the Tragedy
He added that investigators have found no indication of drug or alcohol use at this stage, though the medical examiner’s findings and toxicology report are expected to provide additional answers.
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The Family Turned to Ben Crump as the Investigation Continued
According to an Instagram statement, civil rights attorney Ben Crump announced that the Wells family has retained his firm.
Crump said the family wants a complete account of the events surrounding the 18-year-old’s death and called for investigators to continue pursuing the case with urgency and transparency.
He added:
“His family deserves answers. They deserve the truth. We will not rest until every fact about what happened to Nolan on Horn Island is brought into the light, and we call on investigators to pursue this case with the urgency and transparency this family deserves.”
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What Nolan Wells Told Friends Before They Left Horn Island
According to the Sun Herald, many of Wells’ childhood friends gathered at the Lake Mars Boat Launch after his body was found, standing beside his parents, Christine and Elmore Wonsley, as they waited for confirmation.
Those who grew up with Wells remembered him as someone who brought people together.
After Wells’ death, friends reflected on the impact he had on their lives. They consistently remembered him as a respectful, kind-hearted young man who encouraged others both on and off the field. | Source: Facebook/christine.wonsley
Doris Hands, affectionately known as “Mama D” to Wells and his friends, said he never failed to greet her with a hug and always treated others with respect. “He was a good person,” Hands told the publication. “Loved sports, kind-hearted.”
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His best friend, Jayvon Williams, said they traveled to Horn Island on separate boats after the one Wells boarded filled up. Williams last saw him shortly after 4 p.m., talking with friends on the island.
One moment from that afternoon has stayed with him ever since. “As soon as we got out there, he told me that he loved me,” Williams said.
Another close friend, Trace Carter, recalled reminding Wells to stay safe before the trip: “Just hit me up when you get back. Just be careful, bro. Watch out for yourself.” According to Carter, Wells replied, “I got you. I’ll hit you up later.”
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The Future Nolan Was Looking Forward To
When Wells signed with Southwest Mississippi Community College during National Signing Day in February 2025, WLOX reported that he was excited to continue playing football alongside many of his longtime teammates.
“It’s truly a blessing being here with some of my best friends and teammates and most of us are all going to college together,” Wells said at the time. “It’s just truly a blessing.”
Wells had recently begun his college football career as a wide receiver at Southwest Mississippi Community College. Just over a year earlier, he celebrated signing with the program alongside several longtime teammates, describing the opportunity as a blessing. | Source: Facebook/christine.wonsley
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What Coaches and Classmates Remembered Most About Nolan Wells
The grief has stretched far beyond Wells’ family. According to a Facebook statement from Southwest Mississippi Community College, Wells was remembered not only as a student-athlete but also as a friend and teammate who had earned the respect of classmates, faculty, and staff across campus.
College President J. Steven Bishop, Ph.D., also announced that counselors and local ministers would be available to support students and teammates returning to campus as they coped with the loss.
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The same message came from Wells’ hometown. Ocean Springs High School head football coach Jake Bramlett said Wells was the kind of player every coach hopes to mentor. He added:
“Nolan was so much more than an outstanding football player. He carried himself with humility, treated others with respect, worked hard, and led by example. His character spoke louder than his accomplishments, and he was loved deeply by his teammates and coaches.”
Ocean Springs High School Principal Dr. Jacob Dykes likewise remembered Wells as a hardworking student whose kindness left a lasting impression on teachers, classmates, coaches, and friends. “Our thoughts are with his family and the many people he made a lasting impact on around him,” he said.
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The Family Is Now Preparing to Lay Nolan Wells to Rest
According to a GoFundMe created by the family, donations will help cover funeral and memorial expenses, celebration-of-life services, and other costs associated with honoring Wells’s memory.
As of publication, the fundraiser had raised more than $177,000 toward its $210,000 goal through more than 4,200 donations.
Wonsley also directed supporters to what she described as the family’s official fundraiser, clarifying that it is the only GoFundMe campaign authorized to collect donations on their behalf.
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“This is the OFFICIAL and ONLY GoFundMe account, which was created by my friend Allayah Denis,” Wonsley wrote on Facebook. “I know times are hard and we appreciate and are grateful for anything that is donated.”
Describing their loss as “beyond words,” the family encouraged those who could not donate to continue praying for them and to share the fundraiser.
The message closed on a note of appreciation for the community that supported the family during one of the most difficult moments of their lives.
“Thank you for standing with us, for loving Nolan, and for helping us honor a life that ended far too soon,” the family wrote. “Forever loved. Forever remembered. Never Forgotten.”
