Friends of Nolan Wells have raised more than $130,000 on GiveSendGo to cover legal costs as they face public accusations tied to Wells’ July death. The fundraiser says it intends to defend against expected wrongful-death claims from attorney Ben Crump’s team and to pursue libel suits against those spreading alleged falsehoods. Wells’ body was found days after he went missing following a Fourth of July visit to Horn Island, Mississippi; authorities have not released an official cause of death and a private autopsy did not rule out foul play.
Friends of Nolan Wells Raise Over $130K on GiveSendGo to Fund Legal Defense and Libel Claims
Christine Wonsley/Facebook
Friends of Nolan Wells have raised more than $130,000 via a GiveSendGo fundraiser to cover legal expenses as they face intense public scrutiny following his death.
Warren Hudson, Jax Pitalo and Morgan Seymour — described as Wells’ closest friends — have been the subject of online accusations after Wells was reported missing in early July and his body was later recovered. No criminal charges have been filed against the teenagers.
Fundraiser Goals
The GiveSendGo campaign, which lists a $200,000 target, says funds will be used "for the sole purpose of fighting" circulating rumors. The page states two primary objectives:
Facebook/Christine Wonsley
- To raise money to defend the friends against potential wrongful-death lawsuits reportedly expected from attorney Ben Crump and his team.
- To assemble a legal team capable of pursuing libel and slander claims against individuals and outlets the campaign says have spread false or defamatory information.
"Our first goal is to raise money to defend these friends against incoming wrongful death actions filed by Attorney Ben Crump and his team. Our second goal is to fund a robust legal team to sue for the litany of slander and libel being spread by not only Crump, but also many social media influencers, news outlets, and local provocateurs who know better."
Background
According to previous reporting, Wells was last seen after a Fourth of July gathering on Horn Island, Mississippi. He was reported missing and his body was discovered days later. Authorities have not publicly released an official cause of death. The family arranged a private autopsy, which reportedly did not rule out foul play.
Hudson has publicly said on a podcast that Wells asked to be left behind on the island and that, the last time Hudson saw him on July 4, Wells was "cradling" a girl. Hudson reported Wells missing later that night.
The GiveSendGo page argues the young men have been subject to "an unprecedented online campaign of accusations, harassment, threats, and defamation" that has interfered with their ability to grieve. Supporters say donations will help the friends respond to civil claims and pursue legal action against those they accuse of spreading falsehoods.
Note: Attorney Ben Crump is reported to represent the Wells family. No criminal charges have been announced at this time.
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