Nationwide — Warren Hudson, who remembers Nolan Wells as his “best friend,” spoke out about the Fourth of July boat trip that happened hours before the 18-year-old football player disappeared. He addressed rumors surrounding Wells’ death and shared memories of their final day together.
Wells went missing on Horn Island, a barrier island about 10 miles off Mississippi’s Gulf Coast, on July 4. Authorities found his body two days later, but investigators have not determined exactly what happened.
Hudson admits that he was among the friends who traveled with Wells to the island. He said he has faced painful accusations online from people questioning whether he and others were involved in Wells’ death.
“It’s a sick world we’re living in,” Hudson said, according to the New York Post. “It’s terrible. Nolan was my best friend.”
He said online speculation has made an already difficult situation harder for those who knew Wells. “There’s no facts out, just a lot of rumors. That’s just how the internet is today. That’s really it, it’s horrible,” he added.
The group had traveled to Horn Island with other friends to celebrate the Fourth of July. Hudson said Wells was excited about the trip and described the holiday gathering as a major event, with thousands of people and boats surrounding the island.
He said the group grew larger throughout the day and that many people, including Wells, were drinking. However, Hudson said Wells seemed “completely fine” whenever they spoke.
“I talked to Nolan a couple of times,” Hudson said, explaining that he was also spending time with others at the gathering and was not with Wells the entire day.
He also described the water conditions near their boat, saying the area near the back of the boat was about waist-deep while the front was deeper. Hudson said the water became “a little rough” while they were heading back.
Hudson’s mother, Jackson County Judge Ashlee Cole, previously said the group returned to the mainland after their boat developed a bilge pump issue. She said Wells chose to stay on the island and planned to return later with another group of friends.
Wells’ family has continued asking questions about his disappearance, including how he became separated from his friends and why some of his belongings were reportedly found with others.
Hudson remembered Wells as a joyful person and said they had been close since eighth grade. He described their friendship as part of a tight-knit group that regularly spent time together.
Wells was later laid to rest during a private funeral service in Ocean Springs attended by family, friends, and public figures. His mother, Christine Wonsley, asked mourners to remember her son and continue sharing stories about his life.
An independent autopsy has not yet determined Wells’ official cause and manner of death. The medical examiner said further investigation is needed and did not rule out foul play.