Nolan Wells' closest friends say the Mississippi teen's death has drawn them closer to their Christian faith, even as they continue to grieve the loss of an 18-year-old who vanished during a boat trip to Horn Island. Warren Hudson, one of Wells' friends, told Fox News' Kayleigh McEnany that he learned to lean on the Lord during the difficult months following the incident. Hudson stated that he believes his other friends did the same, adding that he knows that is what Wells would have wanted. Jax Pitalo described the death as a turning point for the group, noting that within three days of the tragedy, the friends felt they had grown closer to God. Morgan Seymour, another friend, confirmed that the group started attending church more frequently. Seymour said everything from that moment on was for God and Jesus, a sentiment Hudson reinforced by adding "for Nolan."
Wells disappeared on July 4 while on a boat trip with friends to Horn Island, a barrier island off the Mississippi Gulf Coast. After two days of searching, a National Park Service ranger located his body at the island's northwestern tip on July 6. A Jackson County, Mississippi, grand jury subsequently returned a no true bill in the investigation. The jury declined to indict anyone after finding insufficient evidence of criminal wrongdoing and determined that Wells' death was consistent with drowning. Jackson County District Attorney Angel Myers McIlrath stated that the grand jury found absolutely no evidence to support allegations that the death was racially motivated. McIlrath emphasized that Wells chose to stay on the island that day and that there is no evidence to contradict that account.
The case has drawn intense online scrutiny, with unsubstantiated theories spreading that Wells' friends were responsible for his death or that the incident was racially motivated. McEnany noted on Fox & Friends Weekend that the young men have faced accusations and were demonized online while attempting to process their grief. She pointed out that one of the friends had known Wells since elementary school. Despite the public attention, McIlrath maintained that Nolan's friends loved him and he loved them. The focus for the surviving friends has remained on grieving someone they loved while deepening their religious commitment.
The grand jury's decision has not ended legal scrutiny of the case. Wells' family and civil rights attorney Ben Crump have challenged the outcome. They point to bruising and blunt-force injuries described by the family's independent pathologist. The family is calling for further investigation into how Wells died, including an independent federal review by the Justice Department.