Russell Latino, attorney for Bart Edmiston Jr.'s family, says his client has been wrongly linked to the July 4 death of 18‑year‑old Nolan Wells and has received credible death threats. Edmiston — a former teammate — helped a nearby boat that had mechanical trouble and has cooperated with investigators, providing interviews and access to his boat and GPS. An emergency call released by authorities fueled online speculation; an independent autopsy described Wells' cause of death as "undetermined," and the official investigation remains active and will be presented to a grand jury. The Edmiston family plans legal action against those spreading false claims while both families press for answers.
Former Teammate Denies Role In Nolan Wells’ Death, Says He Received Death Threats; Family Threatens Defamation Suits
Nolan Wells (center) on a boat with friends.
A former high-school teammate of 18-year-old Nolan Wells is denying any involvement in the teen's death and is preparing legal action after being linked to the case in online conspiracy posts. Bart Edmiston Jr.'s family and their attorney say social-media speculation has put them at risk and that authorities have been notified.
What Edmiston’s Team Says
Russell Latino, attorney for Edmiston’s family, said on July 29 that his client received a credible death threat amid false online claims tying him to Wells' disappearance and death. Latino said federal, state and local law enforcement have been notified and warned that he will pursue defamation claims against those spreading fabricated assertions that endanger Edmiston and his relatives.
How Edmiston Was Involved That Day
According to a statement from the Edmiston family obtained by media outlets, the 21-year-old traveled to Horn Island off the Mississippi Gulf Coast in his own boat along with hundreds of other young people on July 4. When a nearby vessel experienced mechanical trouble that afternoon, the family says Edmiston boarded the disabled boat, removed its transom plug, returned to his own boat and towed the troubled craft a short distance to safety.
Nolan WellsCredit: GoFundMe
"Bart Edmiston Jr. did not kill or in any way contribute to the tragic death of Nolan Wells. He had no motive to do so. All he did was help a boat that was in distress," Latino said.
The family and Latino say Edmiston cooperated fully with investigators — submitting to interviews, providing access to his boat and GPS device, and compiling a list of potential witnesses. They also said he answered questions without counsel and without hesitation.
Emergency Call Fuels Online Speculation
Speculation intensified after authorities released an emergency call tied to the malfunctioning boat. The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources made the recording public; local station WLOX and other outlets aired it. The call, placed around 4 p.m. on July 4 to private towing company Sea Tow, began as a request for a tow when the vessel's bilge pump stopped working. The callers later canceled the tow request when Edmiston arrived to assist.
Online listeners of the chaotic recording disputed what names they could hear: some said they heard "Nolan," while others believed they heard "Bart." Those interpretations helped fuel theories on social platforms linking Edmiston to Wells' death, Latino and the family say.
Russell Latino.Credit: AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis
Investigation Status And Reactions
Wells was reported missing later on July 4; his body was recovered two days later on the west end of Horn Island. Authorities initially said the death appeared consistent with drowning and showed no immediate signs of foul play, but Wells' family rejected that early conclusion and sought more answers. They commissioned an independent autopsy whose preliminary findings were described by the family's attorney, Ben Crump, as listing the cause of death as "undetermined" and not ruling out foul play.
The official investigation remains active and will be presented to a grand jury when complete. The Edmiston family said they are issuing a first cease-and-desist and spoliation letter and will pursue legal remedies against those spreading false information.
"Spreading false information does not honor Nolan's life or his family's loss," the Edmiston family said. "These are fictions made up by people with no actual knowledge of the events of that day."
Families Seek Answers, Call For Respect
As both families navigate grief under intense national scrutiny, Wells' mother, Christine Wonsley, has publicly urged people to stop hateful comments and to allow investigators to do their work. The Wells family has indicated they may pursue legal action related to their son's death and have demanded transparency in the investigation. A press conference with the Wells family’s attorney was scheduled for July 30 for further updates.
The situation remains fluid: law enforcement continues its probe, Edmiston’s legal team is preparing to act against defamation, and both communities are calling for facts over rumor.
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