Family of Teen Found Dead After Boat Trip Seeks Answers

The family of Nolan Wells, an 18-year-old Black teenager who was discovered dead after a boat outing off the Mississippi coast on July 4th, is collaborating with local prosecutors to scrutinize the information on his cellphone.

Wells embarked on a trip to Horn Island with friends but did not return home. His mother, Christine Wonsley, reported him missing shortly after midnight on July 5th, and rescuers found his body in the nearby waters a day later.

Wells’ cellphone was located at a friend’s residence on the evening of July 4th using a locator app. The family expressed concerns over erased messages, adding to their list of queries regarding the circumstances of his death.

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Department stated previously that no foul play is suspected in Wells’ death but has urged the public for additional information. Results from the official autopsy are pending. Wells’ family has enlisted Ben Crump, a trial lawyer and civil rights advocate, known for representing families in racially sensitive cases, seeking transparency in the investigation.

According to family and attorneys, photographs and videos from the July 4th celebration on Horn Island, which attracted nearly 200 visitors, showed that Wells was one of few Black individuals present. The family met with District Attorney Angel Myers McIlrath to discuss the investigation process, with a commitment to present findings to a grand jury once the investigation concludes.

“The hope is when this is presented to the grand jury, all relevant witnesses and evidence will be presented to them, so we can have a fair and impartial investigation into the death of Nolan Wells,” Crump stated. “Our lived experiences tell us that we must question everything, everybody’s role, law enforcement’s role. That is the lived experience as Black people in America.”

Christine Wonsley announced via Facebook that her son’s funeral would be held on July 20th, emphasizing that security would be present to ensure a peaceful ceremony.

This report is evolving, and further updates are anticipated.