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A Mississippi judge whose son was on a boating trip with Nolan Xavier Wells claimed her son left his friend behind because their boat was taking on water.
Ashlee Cole, the mother of Warren Hudson, explained that her son and his friends departed Horn Island around 4.30pm on Saturday due to a mechanical problem with their vessel.
'Nolan made a decision to stay on the island and return inland later with another group of friends,' she said.
However, Wells never returned to the mainland, prompting his mother to report him missing early on Sunday. A day later, his body was found on the northwestern tip of the island.
Police do not suspect foul play was involved and authorities believe the teen drowned. His official cause of death is pending autopsy.
'I have the utmost respect for her and all of the Wells family. We mourn the loss of Nolan with them,' Cole said of Nolan's mother. 'Our son, Warren, loved Nolan dearly.
'My family is hopeful that this information will help to redirect the attention to the Wells family, their grief, and their need for our community’s support.'
Cole, a Chancery Court Judge for Jackson, George and Greene counties, had previously received backlash for deleting her social media accounts after Wells was found, which she said she did to protect her children and insisted was not 'nefarious.'
Judge Ashlee Cole, the mother of Warren Hudson (pictured in 2024), said her son left Nolan Xavier Wells on Horn Island due to their boat taking on water and said Wells said he would get a ride back with another group of friends
Wells and his friends went to Horn Island off the coast of Mississippi for the holiday weekend. Wells was reported missing on Sunday and his body was found Monday on the northwestern tip of the island
'I fear for the safety of my child and my children. My husband and I have six children and we covet their privacy. We do not believe it is appropriate for our minor children’s photographs to be circulated throughout the Internet, presenting potential threats to their safety,' she wrote.
The Wellses have hired civil rights attorney Ben Crump to represent them as police work to determine how the teenager died.
Crump is best known for representing the family of George Floyd after his May 2020 death.
'Nolan Wells was a beloved son, teammate and friend who went out to celebrate the Fourth of July and never came home,' Crump said in a statement.
'His family deserves answers. They deserve the truth. We will not rest until every fact about what happened to Nolan on Horn Island is brought into the light, and we call on investigators to pursue this case with the urgency and transparency this family deserves.'
My heart [is] broken for my sweet son who was always willing to cheer and uplift others,' his mother, Christine Wonsley, wrote on Facebook. 'Nolan was a special soul, God took his time creating our son.'
Police say they have found no evidence of foul play.
'There's no information that we have right now that would lead us to believe that a crime has occurred,' Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter told the outlet.
'Our son, Warren, loved Nolan dearly,' Cole said. Wells is pictured with his parents
Police do not suspect foul play is involved in his death and believe the teen drowned
However, TMZ reported a viral clip that showed people having an intense argument on the island. It is unclear if Wells was a part of the argument.
Wells was a budding college football player who played for Southwest Mississippi Community College's team. He had previously played for Ocean Springs High School's team.
Jake Bramlett, Ocean Springs' head football coach, said in a statement to WLOX: 'We are devastated by Nolan's passing. He was the kind of son, teammate, friend and student that every coach hopes to have in a program.
'Nolan was so much more than an outstanding football player. He carried himself with humility, treated others with respect, worked hard and led by example.'
Southwest Mississippi Community College President Dr J Steven Bishop told the outlet: 'The entire Southwest family is heartbroken as we mourn the tragic loss of Nolan Wells.
'We remember Nolan as a well-respected young man who was very popular among friends, faculty, and staff. We loved Nolan, and he will be greatly missed in many ways.'
A family friend has started a GoFundMe to help pay for Wells' funeral.
'His smile, kind heart, and love for others left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him,' Allayah Denis wrote.
Cole offered the Wells family her condolences in her post
'Funds raised will be used for funeral and memorial expenses, celebration of life services, and any additional costs associated with honoring Nolan's memory. Any remaining funds will help support the family as they navigate the difficult days ahead.'
The fundraiser has raised nearly $300,000 as of Thursday morning.
The Daily Mail has reached out to Cole and Crump for further comment.