PRODUCTION - 24 October 2025, Thuringia, Georgenthal: Flowers lie in Georgenthal Forest Cemetery after a funeral service. Since this year, the forest cemetery has offered interested parties a natural final resting place with an urn grave in the Thuringian Forest. Photo: Michael Reichel/dpa (Photo by Michael Reichel/picture alliance via Getty Images)
Approximately 10 days ago, Nolan Xavier Wells was allegedly seen alive for the last time. What was supposed to be a day trip to Horn Island, Mississippi, later turned into a multi-agency search party. Two days after going missing, Nolan’s body was found in the water near the northwestern area of the island. His mother, Christine Wonsley, shared her grief shortly afterward and has continued to advocate for answers about his death and transparency in the investigation. But her latest public message is about having to do the unthinkable as a parent: burying a child. She spoke of planning Nolan’s funeral as new reports have revealed details about the 18-year-old’s upcoming celebration of life.
As mentioned, Christine Wonsley has been vocal following her son’s death. That includes grieving for him, asking the public to come forward with answers, and shutting down tasteless jokes and AI-generated videos. Late Monday (July 13), she circled to Facebook with a new status update. In the post, she spoke of planning Nolan Wells’ funeral and the emotion behind it.
“Planning the funeral of our 18 year old does not feel real. All the emotions are running together. I thank God for the moments of being able to watch videos and hear his laugh again. We miss you so much Nolan. #JusticeForNolanWells #Forever18”
According to the SunHerald, the Mississippi Coast Coliseum & Convention Center has agreed to host Nolan Xavier Wells’ funeral. While Christine Wonsley acknowledged on Monday that she’s planning the service, she did not provide any more details. A statement from the venue’s executive director said there’s communication with representatives of Nolan’s family.
Additionally, per WLOX, the service date has been selected. The funeral will take place on July 20 with visitation from 9 to 11 a.m. and the service lasting from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The venue’s executive director revealed it will be staged to hold between 1,200 and 1,500 people. RSVPs will be encouraged for planning purposes and metal detectors will be in use, as for any other event at the venue.
This week, Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter appeared in a ‘Good Morning America’ interview that aired on Tuesday (July 14). His office is leading the investigation into what happened to Nolan Xavier Wells. He told ABC News’ Aaron Katersky that it’s important his agency doesn’t put themselves “on a timetable” or “rush” themselves. However, he appeared to agree that Nolan’s family deserves answers. “But I do think its important to be diligent in gathering all the facts. Thats what the family deserves,” Sheriff Ledbetter said.
Ledbetter added that law enforcement is still collecting photos, videos and witness accounts from people who visited Horn Island on July 4. As of Tuesday, investigators are still allegedly waiting on the state medical examiner’s findings, which will include a toxicology. Officials have previously suggested Wells drowned, a claim his family and their lawyer, Ben Crump, have questioned.
“Even if you may think it might be insignificant, every little bit helps,” the sheriff said. “That may be a bigger contribution than you think to this case.”
When asked whether drugs or alcohol played a role in Nolan’s death, Sheriff Ledbetter refused to answer. He acknowledged the “rumors are out there.” However, he said, “We don’t respond to rumors. We respond to facts.”
Nolan Wells’ parents have sought out an independent autopsy, which the sheriff says his office welcomes. Ultimately, his department and the Wonsleys are seeking the same outcome, he previously told ABC News.
“Were working toward the same goal as the family, Ledbetter previously said. “We want a thorough investigation. Thats what were going to continue to do until we arrive at the answers that the family deserves.”
