The heartbreaking letter from Nolan Wells’ parents on the 19th birthday he never got to celebrate is moving millions to tears
THE devastated parents of Nolan Wells have released a heartbreaking letter on what would have been their beloved son’s 19th birthday.
The teenager died tragically on July 4 after a boating trip to Mississippi’s Horn Island with a group of friends.
Nolan Wells died on July 4 after a day out with friendsCredit: Family Handout
The teenager’s family came together to celebrate what would have been his 19th birthdayCredit: Reuters
More than six weeks later, investigators have not publicly determined how he died, while a state investigation remains underway.
Jackson County District Attorney Angel Myers McIlrath has offered little publicly about what investigators have found.
In a statement released Tuesday, McIlrath said she does not have “the same freedom to share information publicly that private individuals may have” and warned people not to draw conclusions from information circulating online.
“Nolan deserves better than us stepping outside the bounds of the law to share information that is key to this case,” McIlrath said.
Dad of Nolan Wells’ ‘best pal’ accuses lawyer of ‘cashing in’ on teen’s death
“There is nothing more to be shared at this time. I caution the public about assigning trustworthiness to things they read and see online.”
The uncertainty, however, has made an already painful loss even harder for the Wells family.
Honoring the teenager on his August 2 birthday, who they affectionately called “Nono” and “sonshine,” read the letter that reflected on his life.
“Today you are 19 Nono!” the family wrote. “As we sit here and reflect on what an amazing kiddo you grew up to be, we can’t help but to feel blessed, honored, proud, but most of all thankful.
“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.”
They described Nolan as a glimpse of “God’s love in human form” and said that, although he was no longer physically with them, his family would continue to celebrate the life and legacy he left behind.
“You are truly our angel. You will be missed every second of everyday and you will never be forgotten our sweet sonshine.”
“Happy Heavenly 19th Birthday Nono. Remember don’t eat too much Oreo cake and hug Grandma for us.
“Thank you for bringing joy, laughter and real happiness to us each and every day,” his family wrote.
Wells and his friends celebrated Fourth of July on Mississippi’s Horn IslandCredit: Family Handout
An independent autopsy was conducted in the aftermath of Wells’ body being foundCredit: Reuters
“You will never be forgotten.”
The family signed the message, “Love, Mom, Dad, Siblings, and Family.”
Nolan’s birthday was marked by a national prayer rally at Greater St. John AME Church in Biloxi, roughly five miles from his hometown of Ocean Springs.
His framed sports jerseys were displayed near the pulpit as family, supporters and community members gathered to remember him.
During the ceremony, loved ones came together to sing “Happy Birthday” as gold balloons shaped like the numbers 1 and 9 floated above a cake with candles.
The event included local officials and filmmaker Spike Lee, who previously attended Nolan’s funeral in support of the family.
Dr. Jamal Bryant delivered the keynote address, while civil rights attorney and Wells family attorney Ben Crump also urged people to continue praying for the family and seeking answers.
“Can we pray together in unity to say, let’s get to the truth of what happened to Nolan Wells,” Crump said last week. “Can we do that, America? Can we at least come together in unity on his birthday?”
Three friends who were with Nolan during the July 4 trip also released a statement marking his birthday through their attorney.
Warren Hudson, 19, Jax Pitalo, 20, and Morgan Seymour, 19, said they continued to honor Nolan following his tragic passing.
“Just like every day, we honor and remember our dear friend, Nolan Wells,” the statement said.
“He was the brightest of lights who touched many lives, including ours. His memory will shine on in our hearts. Always.”
The three men have faced intense scrutiny as questions surrounding Nolan’s death have spread online.
Their attorneys have pushed back against accusations and conspiracy theories about what happened on Horn Island.
Wells’ final hours on Horn Island remain the subject of intense scrutiny as investigators continue examining what happened to the 18-year-old during a crowded Fourth of July gathering off Mississippi’s Gulf Coast.
Wells traveled to the barrier island with friends as dozens of people arrived by boat to celebrate the holiday.
At some point during the day, Nolan disappeared.
According to his friend Hudson’s account, Nolan chose to remain on the island with a young woman when their group prepared to leave for the mainland.
But Nolan’s parents have questioned that explanation, saying they find it difficult to believe their son would have stayed behind without his cellphone.
Hudson and others have said Nolan intentionally left his phone behind because they were concerned it could be damaged by water.
After realizing Nolan was missing, Hudson contacted Nolan’s mother, Christine Wonsley, to tell her that her son had not returned with the group.
Two days later, a National Park Service ranger discovered Nolan’s body on the northwest side of Horn Island.
Authorities initially considered drowning as a possible explanation for his death, but questions surrounding his final movements and the circumstances leading up to his disappearance remain under investigation.
The state has completed its autopsy, but officials have not publicly released the findings.
As speculation surrounding Nolan’s death has intensified, his family has faced an increasingly difficult grieving process.
Nolan’s parents have said they have received harassment and threats while publicly pressing authorities for answers.
His father, Elmore Wonsley, said the family feels as though they have been unable to properly mourn their son amid the controversy surrounding the case.
“We can’t grieve the way we need to because we’re being disrespected,” he said.
Wonsley said the family has also been accused of being racist and portrayed as bad parents during the online frenzy surrounding Nolan’s death.
But he said their objective has remained the same from the beginning.
“We just want the truth,” he said. “Any parent would want that, any father would want that, any mother.”
The FBI has confirmed that it is looking into interstate threats connected to the case, but that investigation is separate from the Jackson County authorities’ examination of Nolan’s death.
Disney to bring 71 year tradition to end as it plans to demolish iconic design
The DA’s comments this week, meanwhile, have only added to the uncertainty surrounding the case, particularly as the investigation moves toward a potential grand-jury review.
Authorities have not publicly said that a crime occurred.
SOURCE: THE SUN
https://www.the-sun.com/news/16871095/nolan-wells-parents-birthday-horn-island-da/
