The family of Nolan Xavier Wells has retained civil rights lawyer Ben Crump. The 18-year-old college student was found dead on Horn Island in Jackson, Mississippi, on Monday, July 6. Nolan went to the island with a group of friends on the Fourth of July and never returned. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office claims Nolan willingly stayed on the island alone. According to a press release from Crump, the Wells’ family wants a “thorough and transparent” investigation into his death.
RELATED: Nolan Xavier Wells’ Death Ignites Social Media Conversation About Being The Only Black Person In Non-Black Spaces & Friend Groups
Nolan Xavier Wells’ Family Retains Ben Crump Amid Questions About His Death
Nolan was reported missing by his mother to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office around midnight on Saturday after he didn’t return with the rest of the group. He was found two days later and identified through family confirmation and dental records, per WLOX.
According to ABC News, the group claimed Nolan wanted to stay on the island, so they “went back” without him. Nolan was seemingly one of the only Black people amid the seemingly majority white group. The lack of answers from the group he traveled with to Horn Island has raised suspicions and public demands for clarification. Sheriff John Ledbetter has already said his department doesn’t suspect foul play, but investigators are considering a drowning.
Stay Connected
Subscribe to updates from The Shade Room
“From what we understand, he chose to stay there,” said Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter. Later adding, “There’s no information that we have right now that would lead us to believe that a crime has occurred.”
Crump released a statement after Nolan was found. The civil rights’ lawyer called for a transparent investigation into Nolan’s death.
“Nolan Wells was a beloved son, teammate and friend who went out to celebrate the Fourth of July and never came home,” reads Ben Crump’s statement. “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.”
Nolan’s Mother Updates Public Profile Amid Son’s Death
The Shade Room previously reported that his mother, Christine Wonsley, shared a picture of Nolan with three friends on a boat taken on the same day he disappeared. She also on Tuesday updated her Facebook profile picture with a photograph of herself with Nolan.
His mysterious death prompted questions about how he died, and a video taken on Horn Island on July 4 raised more concerns. The video was shot from a boat and seemingly shows a man resembling Nolan standing by on the beach as an argument took place. One individual is heard yelling the F-word, but the audio is distant. It’s unclear if the college student was the target of the shouting individual as crowds of people are seen looking on.
Nolan’s Childhood Friends Spoke Out After His Death
According to the Sun Herald, Nolan’s best friend, Jayvon Williams, was supposed to ride out to Horn Island on the same boat as him. He didn’t because it was full, but he remembers last seeing Nolan around 4 p.m. on the island.
“As soon as we got out there, he told me that he loved me,” recalled Jayvon.
Another friend, Trace Carter, said he talked to Nolan before the trip. “Just hit me up when you get back,” said Carter. “Just be careful, bro. Watch out for yourself.” Nolan replied, “I got you. I’ll hit you up later.”
