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Chancery Judge Ashlee Cole, the mom of Warren Hudson, a teen who was on Horn Island with Nolan Xavier Wells, has spoken out as attorney Benjamin Crump alleges that the 18-year-old was involved in an “argument” before his death.
On the evening of Tuesday, Judge Ashley Cole took to Facebook to share a lengthy message with the public. Initially, Cole explained that her family is grieving the loss of Wells. However, she wanted to “dispel some rumors” which are “divert[ing]” attention “away from the Wells family and their loss.”
Cole acknowledged that she deactivated her social media due to the “heightened emotional state” online. Additionally, she stated that she fears “for the safety” of her and her husband’s six children. Specifically, Cole referenced photos of her children allegedly being circulated on social media.
From there, Cole noted that she attended high school with Wells’ mom, Christine Wonsley.
“We are from the same community. I have the utmost respect for her and all of the Wells family. We mourn the loss of Nolan with them. Our prayers have been and will continue to be with them,” she wrote.
Cole noted that she and her husband were not on Horn Island on July 4. Additionally, she explained that her family does not want to interfere with the ongoing investigation.
“Warren was interviewed by the Jackson County Sheriffs Department and cooperated fully. He saw Nolan last at around 3 pm on July 4th. They left around 4:30 pm when the boat was taking on water and they had an issue with the bilge pump. Nolan made a decision to stay on the island and return inland later with another group of friends,” she wrote.
As she concluded her message, Cole acknowledged her position as a judge. And the importance of transparency.”
“I apologize if anyone was offended that I deleted my social media. There were no nefarious motivations in my deleting my social media. Social media has a lot of positives, but a whole lot of negatives. We live in a world of click-baiting. Sad, but true. My family is hopeful that this information will help to redirect the attention to the Wells family, their grief, and their need for our communitys support,” she concluded.
According to Atlanta Black Star, Benjamin Crump, the attorney for Nolan Xavier Wells’ family, sat down with Don Lemon. This, to speak about the case. During the interview, Crump noted that Wells was gearing up for an important tryout, set to take place on Monday, July 6. Additionally, he believes the teen was involved in an “argument” with his friends because he did not want certain “substances” to show up on his body.
Furthermore, Crump noted that the family is conducting their own independent autopsy. And he believes the results will be made available on Friday, July 10.
“They’re saying it was an unfortunate accident. They’re not telling the family anything about whether it was foul play or not. So that’s why the family is so desperate for answers,” Crump explained to Lemon.
In addition, Crump noted that the family believes messages “were deleted” from Wells’ cellphone.
“So they want to try to dot every i and cross every t and investigate everything. They said it’s very improbable that Nolan wouldn’t have wanted his cell phone with him if he was going to stay on the island,” Crump recalled.
Ultimately, Crump noted there being many “inconsistencies” surrounding “what really happened” to the 18-year-old, who his family believes was an “extraordinary athlete” and strong swimmer.
As The Shade Room previously reported, Nolan Xavier Wells was reported missing by his mother after he did not return home on the evening of July 4. Wells has reportedly traveled with friends to Horn Island. Then, on Monday, July 6, his body was found on the north side of the land mass.
“… His father Elmore Wonsley, our family, friends and I are absolutely devastated. My heart is broken for our sweet son who was always willing to cheer and uplift others. Nolan was a special soul, God took his time creating our son. I ask that you all please give me and my family privacy as we grieve. Thank you all again,” Wonsley wrote on Facebook after the discovery.
Subsequently, the death and discovery of the 18-year-old sparked a widespread conversation about the safety of Black individuals in predominantly white crowds. Amid this, friends of his publicly reacted to his passing. This, as an autopsy was performed on his body on July 7.
At this time, the results of the autopsy remain pending. However, internet users have surfaced questionable footage reportedly taken on the island on July 4.
This, as the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office asks the public to come forward and share “original, unedited photos and videos” from the outing. This, to aid in their investigation into Wells’ death.
