Judge Ashlee Cole Addresses Rumors About Son's Presence on Horn Island
Chancery Judge Ashlee Cole, the mother of Warren Hudson, has issued a public statement following growing online speculation surrounding the death of Nolan Xavier Wells. In a Facebook post shared Tuesday evening, Cole said her family is mourning Wells' death while also hoping to "dispel some rumors" that she believes are shifting attention away from the Wells family.
Cole explained that she temporarily deactivated her social media accounts because of the heightened emotions surrounding the case. She also expressed concern for the safety of her family, claiming photos of her six children had been circulated online.
The judge also revealed that she attended high school with Wells' mother, Christine Wonsley, and emphasized her respect for the family.
"We are from the same community. I have the utmost respect for her and all of the Wells family. We mourn the loss of Nolan with them. Our prayers have been and will continue to be with them," Cole wrote.
Cole clarified that neither she nor her husband was present on Horn Island on July 4 and stressed that her family does not want to interfere with the ongoing investigation.
According to Cole, her son Warren fully cooperated with investigators from the Jackson County Sheriff's Department.
She stated that Warren last saw Nolan Xavier Wells at approximately 3 p.m. on July 4. Around 4:30 p.m., the group reportedly left after experiencing mechanical problems with their boat, including issues with the bilge pump and water entering the vessel. Cole said Wells decided to remain on Horn Island and planned to return later with another group of friends.
As she concluded her statement, Cole acknowledged her role as a judge and the importance of transparency. She apologized if deleting her social media accounts caused concern and denied there were any improper motives behind the decision.
"Social media has a lot of positives, but a whole lot of negatives. We live in a world of click-baiting. Sad, but true. 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," she wrote.
Ben Crump Says Nolan Xavier Wells May Have Been Involved in an "Argument"
Attorney Ben Crump, who represents the family of Nolan Xavier Wells, recently discussed the case during an interview with Don Lemon.
According to Crump, Wells had been preparing for an important athletic tryout scheduled for Monday, July 6. Crump alleged that the 18-year-old may have been involved in an "argument" with friends because he did not want certain substances to appear in his system.
Crump also said the Wells family has ordered an independent autopsy, with results expected to be available on Friday, July 10.
"They're saying it was an unfortunate accident. They're not telling the family anything about whether it was foul play or not. So that's why the family is so desperate for answers," Crump said during the interview.
The attorney further claimed the family believes messages were deleted from Wells' cellphone.
"So they want to try to dot every i and cross every t and investigate everything. They said it's very improbable that Nolan wouldn't have wanted his cell phone with him if he was going to stay on the island," Crump explained.
Crump added that the family believes there are multiple inconsistencies surrounding the events leading up to Wells' death. He described the teenager as an exceptional athlete and a strong swimmer while emphasizing the family's continued search for answers.
Investigation Into the Death of Nolan Xavier Wells Continues
Nolan Xavier Wells was reported missing by his mother after he failed to return home on the evening of July 4 following a trip to Horn Island with friends.
Authorities later discovered Wells' body on the north side of Horn Island on Monday, July 6.
Following the discovery, Wells' mother, Christine Wonsley, shared an emotional statement on Facebook.
"His father Elmore Wonsley, our family, friends and I are absolutely devastated. My heart is broken for our sweet son who was always willing to cheer and uplift others. Nolan was a special soul, God took his time creating our son. I ask that you all please give me and my family privacy as we grieve. Thank you all again."