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 vanished after a boating trip with friends Saturday afternoon on Horn Island — a popular barrier island about 10 miles off the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
“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.”
Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter told The Post that a body was found at around 8:45 a.m. Monday in the water, just off shore on the northwest 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 teen, who reportedly played football at Ocean Springs High School, show him shirtless and sporting blue swim trunks, sunglasses and grinning alongside friends on a boat before he went missing.
The United Cajun Navy, a non-profit disaster relief group that joined the frantic search, said the mission was called off after authorities found the body.
“At this time, officials have not confirmed the identity of the individual found,” the group said on Facebook.
“Our hearts are with Nolan’s family, friends, the first responders, and everyone impacted as they await official confirmation. Please keep everyone affected in your thoughts and prayers.”
Ledbetter said the coroner’s office will determine the body’s identity and cause of death.
Wonsley stressed that any GoFundMe campaigns or fundraisers created in Wells’ name were not set up by her, her husband, family or friends.
“So if you see any please report that is not authentic,” she said. “We will notify everyone if we choose to create one.”
