Nolan Wells’ devastated mom asks for ‘time to grieve’ as body found in search for ‘special soul’ son

Nolan Wells’ devastated mom asks for ‘time to grieve’ as body found in search for ‘special soul’ son

The heartbroken mother of the Mississippi football player who vanished on a local island over the Fourth of July remembered her son as a “special soul” after a body was found following a two-day search.

Nolan Xavier Wells’ devastated mother, Christine Wonsley, spoke out hours after authorities found a body believed to be her 18-year-old son, who mysteriously disappeared after a boating trip with friends Saturday afternoon on Horn Island — a popular barrier island about 10 miles off the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

The heartbroken mother of Mississippi football player Noah Xavier Wells who vanished on a local island over the Fourth of July remembered her son as a “special soul” after a body was found following a two-day search. Facebook/Christine Wonsley

“I want to thank our family, friends, community, United Cajun Navy, local law enforcement, and everyone involved for all the love, support, resources over the last few days,” Wonsley said in an emotional Facebook post Monday afternoon.

“His father, our family, friends and I are absolutely devastated. My heartbroken for my sweet son who was always willing to cheer and uplift others,” she said.

“Nolan was a special soul, God took his time creating our son. I ask that you please give me and my family time to grieve.”


A boat with two people in military-style uniforms on the water next to a pier.
Authorities found a body believed to be Wells’, who mysteriously disappeared after a boating trip with friends Saturday afternoon on Horn Island — a popular barrier island about 10 miles off the Mississippi Gulf Coast. United Cajun Navy

Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter told The Post that a body was found at around 8:45 a.m. Monday in the water, off the west end of the island and that it “does match the description” of Wells.

Wonsley flooded Facebook with photos of her son, a wide receiver at Southwest Mississippi Community College, from the day he vanished and made desperate pleas for information as authorities searched for him.

Photos of the shirtless teen show him sporting blue swim trunks, sunglasses and grinning alongside friends on a boat before he went missing.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *