Less than a week ago, a mother reported her son missing to Mississippi officials. Two days later, a park ranger reportedly discovered his body in the water on the northwest end of Horn Island. His name was Nolan Xavier Wells. And internet users are ensuring no one forgets it! At the same time, family, friends and loved ones with a connection to Nolan are sharing who he was beyond his death and the circumstances surrounding it. Here’s a look at five ways to remember the 18-year-old amid the grief sweeping his Ocean Springs community.
RELATED: Body Of 18-Year-Old Nolan Xavier Wells Found On Horn Island Two Days After Going Missing, Mother Confirms (UPDATE)
1. Nolan Xavier Wells’ Mother Describes Him As A “Sweet Soul”
On Monday (July 6), Nolan’s mother, Christine Wonsley, appeared to confirm her son’s death with a message about processing her grief in private. She shared the “devastation” that she and Nolan’s father, Elmore Wonsley, have been feeling. As far as the type of young man they raised? Christine described Nolan Xavier as a “sweet son who was always willing to cheer and uplift others.” She added that he was “a special soul” whom God “took his time creating.” In a previous post on July 5, during the search for Nolan, his mom had also described her 18-year-old in the same way. “One of the sweetest and kindest souls you could ever meet,” she wrote in the Facebook caption.
2. Nolan Was A Beloved High School & College Athlete
Before his passing, Nolan Xavier Wells was just one year removed from high school. He graduated last year from Ocean Springs High School in Mississippi. During his time here, he reportedly played several sports including football. Following his passing, the OS school district released a statement about the kind of athlete he was. “On the football field, he impressed his teammates and coaches with his work ethic and leadership,” the statement read. His high school coach also spoke of his character on and off the field.
“We are devastated by Nolan’s passing. He was the kind of son, teammate, friend, and student that every coach hopes to have in a program,” Jake Bramlett, Ocean Springs Head Football Coach, said.
After high school, Nolan went on to play football as a wide receiver at Southwest Mississippi Community College. According to a statement from the family’s attorney, Ben Crump, Wells was scheduled to return to his campus for the upcoming season. Southwest’s dean, Steve Bishop, also praised Wells in a statement shared by the SunHerald.
“The entire Southwest family is heartbroken as we mourn the tragic loss of Nolan Wells. Nolan Wells was an exemplary student, athlete, friend, and teammate,” Bishop said. “We remember Nolan as a well-respected young man who was very popular among friends and faculty. We loved Nolan, and he will be greatly missed. Our continued prayers will be with the Wells family now and in the days to come.”
3. Nolan Wells Lit Up Rooms With His Role Model Qualities
In its statement, the Ocean Springs School District and Wells’ high school principal also spoke of his non-athletic qualities and the grief among his teammates at his loss.
“Nolan was so much more than an outstanding football player. He carried himself with humility, treated others with respect, worked hard, and led by example,” the statement read. “His character spoke louder than his accomplishments, and he was loved deeply by his teammates and coaches. Our football family is grieving alongside Nolan’s parents, family, friends, classmates, teammates, and all who loved him.”
Nolan Wells also shone in the classroom and on his school campus, said his principal,
Dr. Jacob Dykes. “Nolan was a remarkable student, teammate, and brother. He will be remembered as an extremely kind and hardworking young man who left a lasting impression on his teachers, coaches, teammates, and community. Our thoughts are with his family and the many people he made a lasting impact on around him.”
A local Ocean Springs teacher, Jeff French, also shared a touching video tribute of Nolan, calling him “one of the good guys.” The reel features Nolan and friends executing a prank on the teachers.
“Truly gutted, devastated for Nolan and his family. He was one of the good guys. I wasn’t blessed to have taught him, but knew who he was because he was such a bright light at the high school, such a positive person to everyone. An incredible athlete, but just a great young man. Praying extra hard for all those that were touched by this kind soul. This is how I’ll remember him, here is a video of him pranking people, like us teachers, and yes, he got me. You will truly be missed, but never forgotten, i hope you keep that same energy and personality with the almighty God,” French’s caption read.
SEE THE VIDEO HERE.
4. Childhood Best Friend Recalls His “Happy” Persona
Speaking to the SunHerald, Sharroid Whitehead identified himself as one of Nolan’s best friends. He said they grew up together and later played together on the Ocean Springs High School football team. Whitehead remembers his friend as a positive being.
“He’s the most respectful (person) I know, he loves to help and is always happy,” he said.
