Friends of Teen Who Drowned Sue Terrell Owens for Defamation

Three friends of Nolan Wells, an 18-year-old Black college student who drowned off the Mississippi Gulf Coast, have filed a federal lawsuit against former NFL player Terrell Owens, alleging defamation. The lawsuit, filed by the fathers of Morgan Seymour, Jax Pitalo, and Warren Hudson on behalf of the plaintiffs, claims Owens defamed them in a social media post where he demanded their immediate arrest.

Wells's body was discovered on July 6, two days after he and his friends were on a boating trip near Horn Island for a Fourth of July celebration. A Jackson County grand jury subsequently determined that Wells's death was consistent with drowning and dismissed accusations that the tragedy was racially motivated.

According to the lawsuit obtained by The Daily Mail, Owens posted on X, "ARREST THEM IMMEDIATELY!!" and linked to an Instagram video that theorized the three friends had killed Wells and tampered with his phone. This post was made days after the grand jury declined to recommend charges.

The plaintiffs accuse Owens, who has 1.2 million followers on X, of perpetuating a "disgusting and false narrative" that they murdered Wells and covered up his death. The lawsuit states that Owens is among "bad actors" who have exploited Wells's death for profit and to identify scapegoat others. The friends are seeking a jury trial for compensatory and punitive damages, citing mental anguish, emotional distress, humiliation, and fear for their safety, including death threats and public ridicule.

Wells's death gained national attention, prompting his family to call for an investigation despite law enforcement's findings. The grand jury report noted that while there was bruising on Wells's head and body, it was not considered fatal. A witness testified to seeing Wells slip off a boat, but could not confirm if he struck his head.

In its report, the grand jury stated there was no evidence to support allegations that Wells's disappearance and death were racially motivated. The jury also found no credible evidence that anyone involved in the boating trip engaged in criminal conduct related to Wells's death. The report indicated that Wells stayed on the island to socialize and that the boat carrying his group experienced mechanical issues and was sinking.

Owens, a Hall of Fame wide receiver, played 15 seasons in the NFL. The lawsuit against him is one of several defamation claims filed by Wells's friends against content creators and media personalities who commented on the case. The friends have also indicated their intent to sue Reverend Al Sharpton and "The View" co-host Sunny Hostin for their remarks on Wells's death.