The mother of Nolan Wells, an 18-year-old who died on July 4th, has shared her profound grief in a tearful video as the investigation into his death continues. Christine Wonsley described the loss as "unsurmountable" and "heavy" in an Instagram post.
"Right now everything is so heavy. Everything is so heavy. Just been going through the motions," Wonsley said in the video, posted on Thursday. "Now to be on the other side of this, it’s a lot. I lost my mom a few years ago and that was hard. This loss, this pain, this grief hits different. It’s unsurmountable."
Wonsley detailed a rollercoaster of emotions as authorities investigate the apparent drowning death of her son, who was on a Fourth of July boating trip with friends at Horn Island, off the coast of Mississippi. She stated that at one moment she might feel stable enough to talk about her son, and the next she could be "falling apart" and feeling unable to breathe.
Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter has stated there is no reason to suspect foul play in Wells' death, though the official cause has not yet been released. Wonsley expressed gratitude for the support she and her family have received.
"The loss is so fresh and still we haven’t been able to grieve," she wrote. "This loss hits so differently than anything I’ve ever experienced. My heart will never be whole again."
She has leaned on her faith during this difficult time. "I have a wonderful support system, I have my faith in God, which I’ve been leaning heavy into," Wonsley said.
Wells, from Ocean Springs, Mississippi, was reported missing on the night of July 4th. His body was found two days later near the shore on the northwest end of Horn Island. He was identified by dental records. Officials believe he drowned while on the boat trip.
According to Jackson County Chancery Judge Ashlee Cole, whose son was a friend of Wells, the boat carrying about seven people experienced issues with taking on water around 4 p.m. Cole stated that Wells decided to stay on the island and return later with another group of friends. The boat departed around 4:30 p.m. for the return journey.