Christine Wells-Wonsley and Elmore Wonsley Joined Ben Crump and Rev. Al Sharpton at the NABJ Convention, Renewing Their Call for Answers About Their 18-Year-Old Son’s Death
More than a month after 18-year-old Nolan Wells disappeared during a July 4 trip to Horn Island and was later found dead, his parents say their request remains unchanged: They want to know what happened to their son.
Christine Wells-Wonsley and Elmore Wonsley addressed journalists Thursday, Aug. 13, at the National Association of Black Journalists convention in Atlanta, appearing alongside civil rights attorney Ben Crump and Rev. Al Sharpton.
For Wells-Wonsley, the appearance came as another painful milestone approached. Nolan would have turned 19 next Wednesday.
“As many of you know, his 19th birthday is next Wednesday, and as the days get closer, it’s definitely getting harder,” she said through tears. “That realization is really sinking in that we don’t have our son physically here anymore.”
Nolan Wells’ Mother Says Family Wants the Truth
Speaking before journalists from across the country, Wells-Wonsley appealed directly to other parents while explaining why her family continues pressing for answers.
“The only thing we want to know is what happened,” she said. “That’s all we want to know is what happened to our son.”
She continued, “Because many parents out there, you still have your children. You still can hug them. You still can call them. You still can celebrate their life with them. And we do not have that anymore.”
Nolan Wells, of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, left for Horn Island with a group of friends early July 4 to spend the holiday on the barrier island. His mother reported him missing after he failed to return.
His body was discovered two days later on the northwest end of Horn Island.
The circumstances surrounding Wells’ death have since drawn national attention and continuing questions from his family.
Autopsy Findings Remain Sealed as Investigation Continues
An official autopsy was completed in late July, but the findings remain sealed while authorities continue investigating Wells’ death. The results are expected to be presented as part of a grand jury review.
The family separately commissioned an independent autopsy, which determined that both the cause and manner of death were undetermined.
Crump has continued representing Wells’ family as they seek more information about what occurred during the July 4 outing.
Thursday’s NABJ appearance placed the family’s case before an audience of Black journalists as Wells-Wonsley and Wonsley again emphasized that, amid the attention surrounding the investigation, their central question remains a simple one.
They want to know what happened to Nolan.
