The parents of 18-year-old Nolan Wells are asking for continued prayers and answers as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of the Mississippi college football player after a 4th of July trip to Horn Island. Wells, a recent graduate of Ocean Springs High School and football player at Southwest Mississippi Community College, disappeared after traveling to the island with a group of friends on July 4. He was last seen alive around 3 p.m. that day and did not return to the mainland with the rest of the group. His mother reported him missing that evening, and after a multi-agency search, his body was recovered on Monday, July 6.

As investigators continue their work, Wells’ mother, Christine Wonsley, has shared the family’s heartbreak while asking for prayers.

“Missing our Nolan so much every second of every day. This has been the worst time in our lives. Watching his siblings go through the motions of grief adds another layer to the sadness. Please keep us in your prayers and continue to respect our privacy,” she wrote in a Facebook statement.

Shortly after her son’s body was found, Wonsley thanked those who helped search for him.

“I want to thank our family, friends, community, United Cajun Navy, local law enforcement, and everyone involved for all the love, support [and] resources over the last few days. His father, Elmore Wonsley, our family, friends, and I are absolutely devastated,” she said. “My heart is broken for our sweet son who was always willing to cheer and uplift others. Nolan was a special soul; God took his time creating our son.”

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Department said that it is continuing to “actively investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of Nolan Wells.”

Officials acknowledged growing speculation on social media but urged the public to allow investigators to determine the facts.

“We recognize that a significant amount of information, speculation, and commentary has been shared on social media and throughout the community,” the department said. “As with any active investigation, our investigators are working to establish the facts through eyewitness accounts, physical evidence, and other reliable information.”

Authorities are asking anyone who was on or near Horn Island on July 4 to come forward with information, particularly original, unedited photos or videos from the northwest tip of the island that may show Wells or any reported altercations.

Wells’ parents have retained civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who announced that the family will seek an independent autopsy. Crump also said the family has questions about what happened before Wells disappeared, noting that investigators have told them they have found no evidence of foul play despite reports of an argument involving Wells earlier that day.

The family’s call for answers has drawn support from the Rev. Al Sharpton, who plans to join Wells’ parents and Crump at a Friday press conference.

“A young man left his home to celebrate the Fourth of July with friends, and he never came back,” Sharpton said. “His mother deserves answers, and his family deserves the truth.”

He added, “We are not here to jump ahead of the facts. We are here to demand that the facts come to light, fully, honestly, and without delay.”

Southwest Mississippi Community College also mourned the loss of its student-athlete, making counselors and local ministers available to teammates and friends.

“The entire Southwest family is heartbroken as we mourn the tragic loss of Nolan Wells,” college president J. Steven Bishop said. “We remember Nolan as a well-respected young man who was very popular among friends, faculty and staff. We loved Nolan, and he will be greatly missed in many ways. Our continued prayers will be with the Wells family now and in the days to come.”

As the investigation continues, Wells’ family says they remain focused on finding the truth while leaning on the prayers and support of their community during an unimaginably difficult season.

Heavenly Father, we lift up Nolan Wells’ family to You during this time of unimaginable grief. Surround them with Your peace, comfort, and strength, and draw near to each of them as they mourn. We pray for wisdom and discernment for investigators, that the truth would come to light and every question would be answered. May Your presence sustain all who loved Nolan, and may they find hope and comfort in You. Amen.