ATLANTA, GEORGIA - AUGUST 13: Christine Wonsley, mother of Nolan Wells, speaks onstage during "The New Power Structure: Black Politics in the Age of Resistance" panel during 2026 National Association Of Black Journalists (NABJ) Convention & Career Fair at Atlanta Marriott Marquis on August 13, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Prince Williams/WireImage); CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JULY 22: People listen as attorney Ben Crump holds a press conference with Elmore Wonsley and Christine Wells-Wonsley, the parents of Nolan Wells, at the annual NAACP National Convention to announce the results of an independent autopsy as they investigate the death of Wells on July 22, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. Eighteen-year-old Wells was found dead two days after he disappeared during a July 4th boat trip to Horn Island off the coast of Mississippi with a group of high school friends. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)
Nolan Wells‘ mother, Christine Wonsley, marked the late teenager’s 19th birthday with a heartfelt message shared on Facebook on Wednesday, August 19. Nolan was found dead in the water near Horn Island in Jackson County, Mississippi, on Monday, July 6. He’d been reported missing two days earlier after he didn’t return from a Fourth of July boating trip with friends.
“Today you are 19 Nono! There are so many things we want to say but we will keep it simple,” she wrote. “As we sit here and reflect on what an amazing kiddo you grew up to be, we cant help but to feel blessed, honored, proud, but most of all thankful. Thankful we were able to experience a glimpse of Gods love in human form. Although you are no longer physically here with us, we will always celebrate you and the legacy you have left for us to protect. 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. Thank you for being the best son, brother, grandson, nephew, and friend anyone could ever ask for. Thank you for bringing joy, laughter and real happiness to us each and every day. You are truly our angel. Raising you has been an absolute joy and honor. You will be missed every second of everyday and you will never be forgotten our sweet sonshine. Happy Heavenly 19th Birthday Nono. Remember dont eat too much Oreo cake and hug Grandma for us. Mahal na mahal ka namin, aming pinakamamahal na anak at kapatid. (Taglog to English translation: We love you our beloved son and brother) Love, Mom, Dad, Siblings, Louis, Ling and Family .”
The family hired civil rights attorney Ben Crump after local authorities said they didn’t suspect foul play, despite contradictions within Nolan’s friend group. The NAACP also joined the investigation on August 17, according to a statement from the organization’s general counsel, Kristen Clarke, per Reuters.
“We’re taking up this fight to search for truth and transparency surrounding the death of Nolan Wells,” reads the statement.
Wonsley ended her post by asking people not to leave negative comments. The grieving mother has been attacked online simply for trying to find out what happened to her baby.
“*KEEP NEGATIVE COMMENTS TO YOURSELVES,” she wrote. “Remember Nolan is MY & ELMORES SON who WE LOST. #JusticeForNolanWells #IStandWithNolan.”
Not only was Wonsley recently trolled online, but an anonymous complaint was also filed against her with the Mississippi Board of Nursing, and a professional misconduct investigation was opened.
The investigation was later closed. However, Wonsley’s workplace has been flooded with negative reviews since her son’s death.
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@lucretia5715 added, “NO JUSTICE NO PEACE.”
In addition, Wonsley also shared footage on Instagram of her singing Happy Birthday to her Nono as she celebrated his life, and it is heart-wrenching.
