Close friends of 18-year-old Nolan Wells say online speculation after his disappearance on July 4 has led to death threats and amplified their grief. Tracestin Shepherd denied that a viral clip shows Wells and said multiple phones were left on the boat's dash. Authorities currently believe Wells drowned; his body was recovered two days later and the investigation and autopsy remain ongoing. The family has enlisted Ben Crump and received public support from Colin Kaepernick, Tyler Perry and Byron Allen as calls for answers continue.
Friends Say They Faced Death Threats, Deny Viral Video Claims as Nolan Wells Drowning Probe Continues
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Close friends of 18-year-old Nolan Wells say they have been targeted with death threats as online speculation swirled after the Mississippi teen's disappearance and death following a July 4 outing to Horn Island.
Friends Deny Viral Video Shows Wells
Tracestin Shepherd, who spoke to ABC News, said he initially declined an on-camera interview because he feared for his safety after social media users began accusing members of Wells' circle of involvement. Shepherd denied that a widely shared clip shows Wells demanding his cellphone, saying:
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"That's me yelling. There was no talk about a phone in that video."
He explained the footage captured the aftermath of a separate confrontation in which friends were trying to restrain him and get him back onto a boat.
Phones, Evidence And Ongoing Questions
Shepherd also pushed back on suggestions about Wells' cellphone. He said many phones had been left on the boat's dash when Wells entered the water:
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"When Nolan got in the water, he put his phone on the dash also with probably 15 other phones... All our friends are out there. Who are we communicating with? And we're in salt water."
Jayvon Williams, another close friend, told reporters he had not been interviewed by investigators and expressed frustration at how quickly the public narrative had formed. Shepherd, who is biracial, warned against rushing to conclusions but said he supports thorough investigations.
What Authorities Say
According to Shepherd, Wells stayed behind on Horn Island to wait for another boat back to shore on July 4. Wells' body was recovered two days later following an extensive search involving local law enforcement, the U.S. Coast Guard and volunteer teams. Officials currently say they believe Wells drowned, though the investigation remains active and final autopsy results have not been released.
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Independent Inquiry And Public Support
The family has enlisted civil rights attorney Ben Crump to lead an independent inquiry. High-profile supporters have stepped in: Colin Kaepernick agreed to fund an independent autopsy, Tyler Perry covered funeral expenses, and Byron Allen donated $100,000 to the family's GoFundMe campaign.
Personal Toll
Friends say the online speculation and threats have compounded their grief, forcing them to defend themselves while mourning. Shepherd urged the public to allow loved ones to grieve and investigators to complete their work:
"I want everybody just to relax and let everybody mourn the loss of Nolan. Let us remember him as the sweet guy he was... We all loved Nolan."
The investigation continues and officials and the family have asked for patience while experts complete their work.
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