OCEAN SPRINGS, Mississippi –– Nolan Wells’ self-described “best friend,” who was on the fateful Fourth of July boat trip with him before he went missing, has spoken out for the first time about rumors blaming him for the tragic teen’s death.
Wells, 18, vanished during the visit to Horn Island, ten miles off Mississippi’s Gulf Coast, and was found dead two days later.
Questions from Wells’ parents and online amateur sleuths have dogged the teenage football star’s pals — about why they left him behind and why they were allegedly in possession of his phone and keys.
Speaking for the first time since Wells death, Warren Hudson –– who was among those on the boat trip with him –– exclusively told The Post about the “hurtful” claims that he was responsible for his friend’s death.
“It’s a sick world we’re living in,” he said. “It’s terrible. Nolan was my best friend.
“There’s no facts out, just a lot of rumors. That’s just how the internet is today. That’s really it, it’s horrible.”
Hudson’s mom, Ashlee Cole, said in a statement released July 7 that Wells’ friends returned to the mainland after their boat had a problem with its bilge pump.
“Nolan made a decision to stay on the island and return inland later with another group of friends,” she wrote.
Cole, a judge in Jackson County, denied claims that her family had been trying to “hamper” the investigation and said her son had been interviewed by cops and “cooperated fully.”
Here’s the latest on the disappearance and death of Mississippi teen Nolan Wells:
Wells was laid to rest Monday in a closed casket at a packed hometown funeral that included famed director Spike Lee and former NFL star Terrell Owens.
“I ask that each of you keep Nolan’s memory alive, hold him close in your hearts, share the stories and never stop saying his name,” grieving mom Christine Wonsley said through tears as she stood at the altar before hundreds of mourners at Center Pointe Church in Ocean Springs.
The Rev. Al Sharpton, who officiated at the ceremony, announced a $100,000 reward offered jointly by him and Hollywood filmmaker Tyler Perry for anyone providing information which leads to the arrest and conviction of anyone responsible for Wells’ death.
On Tuesday, Pro Football Hall of Famer Owens pledged an additional $25,000 for the reward, bringing the total to $125,000.
The attorney representing the Wells family, Ben Crump, is expected to announce on Wednesday the preliminary results of an independent autopsy conducted on behalf of the family.
He is due to make the announcement at the NAACP National Convention in Chicago.
