A Mississippi judge whose son was among the friends with Nolan Xavier Wells on Horn Island has spoken publicly as questions continue surrounding the 18-year-old’s final hours. Chancery Court Judge Ashlee Cole shared a statement addressing online criticism, defending her son’s cooperation with investigators, and explaining why she says Nolan remained on the island after some of his friends returned to the mainland.
Nolan, a student-athlete from Ocean Springs, Mississippi, disappeared during a Fourth of July trip to Horn Island, a barrier island off the Mississippi Gulf Coast that is accessible only by boat. His disappearance led to a multi-agency search involving local law enforcement, marine officials, the Coast Guard, park personnel, and volunteer crews.
The search ended in heartbreak when Nolan was found near Horn Island on July 6. Officials later confirmed his identity through dental records, while the full medical examiner’s findings, including toxicology, were still pending. Authorities have said the investigation remains active as they continue reviewing the timeline and speaking with witnesses.
Cole issued her statement after days of intense online speculation about the friends who had been with Nolan during the outing. According to People, she said she wanted to “dispel some rumors with facts” because attention was being diverted away from the Wells family and their grief.
In the statement, Cole said her son, Warren, “loved Nolan dearly” and had fully cooperated with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department. She said he voluntarily spoke with investigators and last saw Nolan around 3 p.m. on July 4.
Cole also explained why her son and others left the island. According to her statement, they departed around 4:30 p.m. after the boat they were on began taking on water and had an issue with its bilge pump. She said Nolan chose to remain on Horn Island and planned to return inland later with another group of friends.
That explanation echoes what authorities have said publicly, but it has not ended the questions surrounding the case. Many people online have asked why Nolan stayed behind, who saw him afterward, and what happened between his last known sighting and the moment he was found.
Cole also responded to criticism over deleting her social media accounts. She wrote that she is a judge and values transparency, but said there were no improper reasons behind the decision. According to People, she said she removed her accounts because of the heightened emotional state online and concerns about the safety and privacy of her children.
She added that she and her husband have six children and did not believe it was appropriate for photos of their minor children to be circulated online. Her statement reflected both a defense of her family and a plea for people to focus on Nolan’s grieving loved ones.
Cole also revealed a personal connection to Nolan’s family, saying she graduated high school with Nolan’s mother, Christine Wonsley. She said she has the utmost respect for Christine and the Wells family, and that her own family mourns Nolan’s loss alongside them.
Nolan’s mother has shared emotional tributes since the search ended, remembering her son as someone who always tried to cheer and uplift others. She called him a “special soul” and asked the public to give the family time and privacy as they grieve.
At the same time, Nolan’s family is still seeking a clearer understanding of what happened. They have retained civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who has called for a thorough and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the Horn Island trip.
Investigators have said they have not found evidence of a crime so far, but the case remains open. Reports say authorities are continuing to gather digital evidence, interview witnesses, review social media footage, and wait for full medical findings before making final conclusions.
One piece of material under review is a viral video that reportedly shows a confrontation on Horn Island around the time Nolan disappeared. Officials have not confirmed that the clip shows Nolan or explains what happened, but investigators have asked anyone who was on the island that day to share original photos, videos, or firsthand accounts.
Nolan was a wide receiver at Southwest Mississippi Community College after graduating from Ocean Springs High School. He would have celebrated his 19th birthday next month, according to statements from the family’s attorney.
For now, Cole’s statement adds one side of the developing timeline, but it does not close the investigation. Nolan’s family, friends, and community are still waiting for official answers about what happened after he stayed behind on Horn Island.
As authorities continue reviewing evidence, the case remains a painful story of grief, public speculation, and unanswered questions. Cole says her son cooperated fully and that Nolan chose to stay behind, while Nolan’s family continues asking for transparency, clarity, and respect as they mourn a young man remembered for his kindness, humor, and bright future.
This article was prepared using details from public reports, family statements, law enforcement updates, and coverage of the ongoing investigation.
