Nolan Wells, 18, was drinking alcohol on the day he vanished during a Fourth of July boat trip but appeared "completely fine," according to Warren Hudson, who identified himself as Wells' best friend. Wells disappeared during a trip with friends to Horn Island, located 10 miles off the Mississippi Gulf Coast, and his body was discovered there two days later.
Questions have arisen regarding Wells' friends following his death, including why they allegedly left him behind and were in possession of his phone and keys. Hudson shared new details in an interview with conservative YouTuber Brandon Tatum, stating that the barrier island was crowded with an estimated 4,000 people and numerous boats celebrating Independence Day.
"Everybody's drinking, you know?" Hudson told Tatum. "I mean, it's Fourth of July, everyone's just trying to enjoy themselves and, you know, it's a big party, basically."
Hudson said he spoke with Wells several times throughout the day, describing their conversations as "just regular conversations." He added that while he wasn't exclusively focused on Wells due to the large number of acquaintances present, Wells seemed fine. "I talked to Nolan, and you know, Nolan was drinking. Everybody was drinking, most of everybody, and, I mean, Nolan seemed completely fine every time I talked to him," Hudson stated.
According to a statement released by Ashlee Cole, identified as Hudson's mother and a judge in Jackson County, Wells' friends returned to the mainland because their boat experienced an issue with its bilge pump. Cole stated that Wells made the decision to remain on the island and return later with another group of friends. She also denied allegations that her family attempted to impede the investigation, asserting that her son had fully cooperated with law enforcement.
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, representing the Wells family, was asked for comment on Hudson's claims.