Nolan Wells’ Family Honors the Teen With a Heartfelt Tribute as They Continue Seeking Answers About His Death
What should have been a day filled with cake, gifts and celebration became another day of remembrance for the family of Nolan Wells, who would have turned 19 Wednesday.
Nearly seven weeks after Wells disappeared during a July 4 boating trip to Mississippi’s Horn Island and was found dead two days later, his family marked his birthday with an emotional tribute celebrating the son, brother and friend they knew while reaffirming their commitment to protecting his legacy.
“Today you are 19 Nono! There are so many things we want to say but we will keep it simple,” the family wrote in a Facebook message. “As we sit here and reflect on what an amazing kiddo you grew up to be, we can’t help but to feel blessed, honored, proud, but most of all thankful.”
The message described Wells as a reflection of God’s love and promised that even in his absence, his family would continue honoring him.
“Although you are no longer physically here with us, we will always celebrate you and the legacy you have left for us to protect,” the message continued.
Family Remembers Nolan Wells as Their ‘Sonshine’
Wells’ family thanked him for the joy and lessons he brought into their lives, saying his death has changed how they view each day.
“You have taught us so much about life and how everyday is a blessing and how we have to do better at just living in the moment,” the family wrote. “Thank you for being the best son, brother, grandson, nephew, and friend anyone could ever ask for.”
Related: ‘All We Want Is Answers’: Nolan Wells’ Parents Address Journalists at NABJ Convention
They remembered Wells for bringing “joy, laughter and real happiness” to those around him and called raising him “an absolute joy and honor.”
“You will be missed every second of everyday and you will never be forgotten our sweet sonshine,” the tribute read. “Happy Heavenly 19th Birthday Nono. Remember, don’t eat too much Oreo cake and hug Grandma for us.”
The family ended the message by expressing their love in Tagalog, Wonsley’s native Philippine language, and signed it, “Mom, Dad, Siblings, Louie, Ling, and Family.”
Questions Surrounding Wells’ Death Remain
Wells, 18, disappeared after traveling by boat with friends to Horn Island on July 4. His body was recovered near the northwestern end of the Mississippi barrier island on July 6. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office has said its investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not publicly announced a final determination about how Wells died.
His parents, Christine and Elmore Wonsley, retained civil rights attorney Ben Crump as questions grew over differing accounts of Wells’ final hours.
According to authorities, some witnesses said Wells chose to remain on Horn Island with plans to return to the mainland with someone else. Crump has said another witness reported Wells intended to leave aboard the boat with the friends he arrived with. Wells’ phone and car keys also returned to the mainland without him.
“The fact that you have the young lady who said that Nolan said he was going to get back on the boat with the boys, and then the boys said no, Nolan told them that he was going to stay with the girl. Which one is it? Somebody must not be telling the truth,” Crump previously said.
“And again, we cannot overstate it enough. What 18-year-old teenager says, ‘I’m going to stay behind on the island and don’t ask for their cell phone.’”
An independent autopsy commissioned by Wells’ family listed his cause of death as undetermined. The examination found no fractures or deep-tissue injuries but identified discoloration on the back of Wells’ skull that the pathologist said required further investigation. The Mississippi medical examiner’s official findings have not been publicly released.
The NAACP’s Office of General Counsel joined Wells’ legal team this week, working alongside Crump and the family to push for a comprehensive investigation and greater transparency. The Congressional Black Caucus has also urged the U.S. Justice Department to conduct an independent federal review.
Prayer Rally Marks Nolan Wells’ 19th Birthday
The Wells family’s birthday tribute comes as supporters gather Wednesday to honor the teenager and continue calling for answers.
Crump announced that he would join Wells’ family and faith leader Dr. Jamal Bryant for a prayer rally at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Greater St. John AME Church in Biloxi. Organizers said the gathering would honor Wells’ life while supporting his family’s push for “truth, transparency, and accountability.”
For Wells’ loved ones, however, Aug. 19 remains first and foremost the birthday of the young man they called Nono.
“We love you, our beloved son and brother,” his family wrote.
