Nolan Wells’ self described “best friend” has spoken publicly for the first time since the 18 year old disappeared during a Fourth of July trip to Horn Island and was later found dead.
Warren Hudson, who was on the boat with Wells that day, said he has been deeply hurt by rumors circulating online that accuse him of being responsible for his friend’s death.
“It’s a sick world we’re living in,” Hudson told The Post. “Nolan was my best friend. There are no facts out there, just a lot of rumors. That’s how the internet is today, and it’s horrible.”
Wells vanished while visiting Horn Island, a barrier island about 10 miles off Mississippi’s Gulf Coast, during a holiday gathering with friends. His body was found in the water two days later.
Since then, Wells’ parents and online investigators have raised questions about the events leading up to his disappearance, including why his friends returned to the mainland without him and why they were reportedly in possession of his phone and keys.
Hudson’s mother, Ashlee Cole, released a statement on July 7 saying the group’s boat experienced a problem with its bilge pump. According to her, Wells chose to remain on the island and planned to return later with another group of friends.
Cole, who serves as a judge in Jackson County, also rejected claims that her family had tried to interfere with the investigation. She said Hudson had been interviewed by law enforcement and had fully cooperated with investigators.
Wells was laid to rest Monday during a packed closed casket funeral in Ocean Springs. The service drew hundreds of mourners, including filmmaker Spike Lee and former NFL star Terrell Owens.
Standing before the crowd at Center Pointe Church, Wells’ mother, Christine Wonsley, tearfully asked supporters to keep her son’s memory alive.
“I ask that each of you keep Nolan’s memory alive, hold him close in your hearts, share the stories, and never stop saying his name,” she said.
The funeral was officiated by the Rev. Al Sharpton, who announced a $100,000 reward funded jointly by him and filmmaker Tyler Perry for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone responsible for Wells’ death.
On Tuesday, Owens added another $25,000, bringing the total reward to $125,000.
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who is representing the Wells family, is expected to announce preliminary findings Wednesday from an independent autopsy conducted on the family’s behalf.
Crump is scheduled to discuss the results during the NAACP National Convention in Chicago.