Before the body was recovered, Christine and her husband had posted updates pleading for photos or videos from the Fourth of July to help track Wells’ last known movements. “We have so many questions,” she wrote at the time.
“Our hearts are breaking, we keep waiting for Nolan to walk through that door with his beautiful smile and a joke of course [sic],” she added.
Amid the family’s grief, the bereaved mother also warned the public about possible scam fundraisers. In a separate post, she wrote, “I want you all to know a GoFund Me HAS NOT been created by myself, husband, family or friends [sic].” “So if you see any please report that is not authentic. We will notify everyone if we choose to create one [sic],” she said.
Her stark warning of people who may try to capitalize on the tragedy naturally draws into question the authenticity of the GoFundMe started by Denis.
Nolan Wells’ former school leaders said he left a lasting impression on his teachers, coaches, teammates, and community. The 18-year-old had been expected back at Southwest Mississippi Community College for football practice before the Horn Island tragedy unfolded. | Source: Facebook/Christine Wonsley
After news of Wells’ death, Sheriff Ledbetter said the case remains an active investigation. He asked the public to give the family and Wells’ close friends space and time as they process the tragic event.
Ledbetter also said investigators are still gathering information from people involved in the situation. “I’ll assure you that the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, we’re looking at this whole case just like we would any other case [sic],” he said. “And we’re going to be as thorough as we can,” he added.
