Nationwide — Nolan Wells’ mother is taking the first legal steps that could allow her to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit following her son’s mysterious death. New court documents show Christine Wonsley has asked a Mississippi court to open Nolan’s estate and appoint her as its administrator.
According to the filing, the estate’s only anticipated assets would be any claims for damages arising from the circumstances surrounding Nolan’s death. If the court approves her request, she would have the legal authority to file a lawsuit on behalf of her son’s estate if someone is ultimately found responsible.
According to TMZ, the petition was filed Monday in Jackson County Chancery Court, the same day hundreds of family members, friends, and supporters gathered to honor the 18-year-old during his funeral. The documents state that Nolan did not leave a will, was never married, and had no children, making his mother his sole legal heir.
Nolan disappeared on July 4 after traveling by boat with friends to Horn Island, Mississippi. While the group returned to shore without him, his phone and keys were reportedly left on the boat. His body was discovered along the island’s shoreline two days later, not far from where he was last seen.
Although investigators have said they believe Nolan drowned, his family has publicly challenged that conclusion and continues to conduct its own independent investigation. An official cause of death has not yet been released, and a recently surfaced video is believed to show Nolan aboard the boat shortly before he disappeared.
During Nolan’s funeral, civil rights leader Rev. Al Sharpton announced a $50,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction in the case. Filmmaker Tyler Perry also pledged an additional $50,000 reward, bringing the total reward to $100,000 for information that helps solve the case.