The mother of Nolan Wells is honoring her son’s memory in an emotional tribute that has touched hearts everywhere. In a heartbreaking Facebook post shared this past Wednesday, Christine Wonsley celebrated what would have been her son’s 19th birthday, just weeks after the tragic discovery of his body near the island where he had spent his final holiday weekend.
Alongside a collection of cherished photos of her late son, Wonsley wrote, “Today you are 19 Nono! There are so many things we want to say but we will keep it simple. 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.”
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“Although you are no longer physically here with us, we will always celebrate you and the legacy you have left for us to protect. 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,” she continued.
Reflecting on the void left behind, she added, “Thank you for bringing joy, laughter and real happiness to us each and every day. You are truly our angel. Raising you has been an absolute joy and honor. You will be missed every second of everyday and you will never be forgotten our sweet sonshine.” Before concluding the post, Wonsley issued a firm request for privacy, asking those with ill intent to “keep negative comments to yourselves.”
Wells, a community college student-athlete, was found dead in the water near Horn Island, off the Mississippi coast, two days after taking a boat trip to the popular party destination with friends for the Fourth of July. His friends reportedly returned to the mainland without him, claiming they had begged him to “get the F on the boat.”
While state officials have stated that there is currently no evidence of foul play, the case has gained national attention, leading the family to retain high-profile civil rights attorney Ben Crump.
Although an official state autopsy has been completed, the results remain private. Meanwhile, an independent autopsy commissioned by the family’s legal team listed the teenager’s cause and manner of death as “undetermined,” noting that they were unable to conclude whether the football player was conscious at the time he entered the water.