The public conversation surrounding Nolan Wells has become filled with opinions, assumptions, theories, arguments and division.
But beneath all the noise, one question remains:
What happened to Nolan Wells?
Nolan was 18 years old when he traveled to Mississippi’s Horn Island on July 4. He was reported missing after he did not return from the island. His body was found two days later.
Nearly two months later, the public still does not have a complete, officially established account of how his life was cut short.
That is the heart of this story.
The focus should not become the arguments, the back and forth or the many opinions being shared. Those things may be part of the public conversation, but they should never become more important than Nolan himself.
Nolan’s family deserves clear, credible answers supported by a thorough and transparent investigation. They deserve to understand what happened to their son.
That is why Nolan’s name must remain at the center of the conversation.
Children’s educator and content creator Ms. Rachel recently said she would continue talking about Nolan, saying his name and standing with his family. The verified Coretta Scott King Facebook page has also shared his name in solidarity.
These public expressions of support offer an important reminder to keep the main thing the main thing.
We should continue talking about Nolan. We should continue covering his story. We should continue asking what happened until his family receives clear, credible answers about how this young man’s life was cut short.
This is a reminder to silence the noise and return to the heart of the matter.
What happened to Nolan Wells?