‘Nolan Was a Special Soul’: Missing Teen’s Mother Heartbroken, Asks for Time to Grieve

The mother of a missing Black Mississippi teenager is thanking the community that helped search for her son, who went missing over the weekend.

Authorities have not confirmed that a body recovered on Mississippi’s Horn Island, a barrier island on the Gulf Coast, earlier was that of Nolan Xavier Wells. But Wells’ mother, Christine Wonsley, expressed heartbreak for her sweet son in a social media post this afternoon.

“Nolan was a special soul, God took his time creating our son,” she said, adding that wanted the public to give her family time to grive.

According to media reports, a body was found on the northwest end of Horn Island around 8:45 a.m. Monday. A park ranger discovered the body, officials said. As of this writing, the identity has not been confirmed, but authorities have spent days searching the island and surrounding waters for Wells, an Ocean Springs native who was last seen Saturday, July 4, around 3 p.m.

A source close to the family told BWNC News that Nolan’s phone was found on the boat he’d taken to the island — a detail that’s weighed heavily on those searching for him.

Although as of press time, officials have not identified the body, Christopher Wells Sr., who identified himself in a Facebook post Wells’ grandfather, said “my grandson has been found.”

“My daughter Christine, and her husband Elmore prayed for a positive outcome but they also had to prepare themselves for the worst,” the relative said. “Now that my grandson has been found it’s time for answers, but be mindful they need space and need to grieve. There has been enough finger pointing — let law enforcement do their job.”

Nolan’s mother, Christine Wonsley, has not post in five hour. Previously, she had been posting updates and pleas for information since her son was reported missing. In a message shared with loved ones, she and Nolan’s father, Elmore Wonsley, described the toll of the past two days.

“His father, Elmore Wonsley and I are not ok. We have so many questions,” Christine wrote. “Our hearts are breaking, we keep waiting for Nolan to walk through that door with his beautiful smile and a joke of course. We just pray our son is alive & safe.”

Authorities said Nolan was last seen “hanging out with a girl” before he was separated from the group. Officials have not been able to confirm whether he remained on the island, and investigators are still working to determine when he left and who he was with.

Jeffrey Hulum III, a Mississippi state legislator who represents the area, said he is “deeply concerned about the situation involving young Nolan”

“The authorities are actively investigating and seeking information from anyone who may have seen him or possess relevant details,” Hulum said. “It is crucial to allow the professionals to handle the investigation and provide them with any necessary information.”

BWNC News will continue to update this story as more information becomes available.