Nolan Wells’ Family Honors His 19th Birthday With a Touching Tribute

Nolan Wells should have spent Aug. 19 doing what any teenager turning 19 might do: celebrating with family, laughing with friends and looking ahead to the life still ahead of him.

Instead, his family spent the day remembering the young man they lost while asking the public to keep saying his name.

On what would have been Wells’ 19th birthday, his family shared a letter honoring the son, brother, grandson, nephew and friend they say brought joy into their lives.

“Today you are 19 Nono!” the letter began. “As we sit here and reflect on what an amazing kiddo you grew up to be, we can’t help but to feel blessed, honored, proud, but most of all thankful. Thankful we were able to experience a glimpse of God’s love in human form.”

RELATED: The NAACP Joins the Legal Fight for Answers Related to Nolan Wells’ Death

We previously told you that the Southwest Mississippi Community College student-athlete was found dead on Horn Island after he disappeared during a Fourth of July gathering. More than a month later, the circumstances surrounding his death remain unresolved. His family has continued to call for answers and a thorough investigation.

Earlier on Wednesday (Aug. 19), Wells’ mother, Christine Wonsley, joined a virtual prayer vigil marking his birthday. Through tears, she asked supporters to continue praying for the family.

Later that evening, hundreds gathered at Greater St. John AME Church for a vigil celebrating Wells’ life. The gathering included prayer, music and speeches, with family members surrounded by supporters. Dr. Jamal Bryant was the keynote speaker during the memorial. At one point, attendees sang “Happy Birthday” as a cake was presented to Wonsley in her son’s honor.

The gathering carried two messages at once: Nolan Wells was deeply loved, and his family still wants to know what happened to him.

The family continues to search for answers following his suspicious disappearance and untimely death. Following the results of an independent autopsy, civil rights attorney Ben Crump and civil rights icon Rev. Al Sharpton are pressuring state officials to release the results of the official autopsy and toxicology reports.

The letter continued, stating that while Wells is no longer physically with them, his loved ones would continue to celebrate his life and protect the legacy he left behind.

“You have taught us so much about life,” it read. “Thank you for bringing joy, laughter and real happiness to us each and every day…You are truly our angel.”

On a day that should have marked another year of Nolan’s life, his family made sure it honored his memory.