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BILOXI, Miss. (WAPT) — Nolan Wells’ family gathered in Biloxi on what would have been his 19th birthday to honor his memory and demand answers about his death.
Wells went missing during a Fourth of July boating trip with friends to Horn Island, and his body was recovered two days later in the water near the island. Two autopsies have not provided a definitive explanation for his death.
More than six weeks after his body was recovered, loved ones marked his birthday on Aug. 19 with heartfelt messages, prayers, and a rally about 5 miles from his hometown of Ocean Springs.
Authorities continue to investigate Wells’ unexplained death but have given no public indication that a crime occurred, dividing communities and fueling heartbreak and speculation.
Ben Crump, the family’s attorney, has been hired to investigate Wells’ death. An independent autopsy conducted by Crump could not determine the cause of death.
Earlier Wednesday, Wells’ family shared a touching birthday letter, saying: “You are truly our angel. You will be missed every second of every day and you will never be forgotten, our sweet sonshine. Happy Heavenly 19th Birthday. Remember, don’t eat too much Oreo cake and hug Grandma for us.”
During an online vigil, the family expressed gratitude for the joy Wells brought them and vowed to protect his legacy.
“Nolan was an incredible person, and his loss has definitely affected our family in ways we could have never imagined. Just keep us in your prayers, and just keep sharing his story, keep saying his name,” said his parents, Christine Wells-Wonsley and Elmore Wonsley.
The central question in the case remains unanswered: How did Nolan Wells die?
The state autopsy is complete, but the findings have not been released.
The Jackson County district attorney said investigators are still building the case, and once their work is finished, all evidence will go to a grand jury to determine whether a crime was committed. She said Tuesday she could not comment on the case.
Meanwhile, Wells’ family, along with members of the Congressional Black Caucus, are pushing for a federal review.
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