Nolan Wells’ mother seeks control of estate after his death
Christine Wonsley asked a Mississippi court to make her administrator of Nolan Wells’ estate, a step that could allow legal claims over his death.
By Georgia Hale · Staff Writer
2 min read
Nolan Wells’ mother has asked a Mississippi court to put her in charge of his estate, a legal step that could let her bring claims tied to the 18-year-old’s death if grounds for a lawsuit are found.
Christine Wonsley filed the petition Monday in Jackson County Chancery Court, according to legal documents obtained by TMZ. The filing asks the court to open Wells’ estate and appoint Wonsley as its administrator.
According to TMZ, the petition says the estate’s assets would consist only of possible damages claims connected to the circumstances of Wells’ death. If the court grants the request, Wonsley would have authority to act for the estate in any potential legal action.
The filing states Wells died without a will, had never been married and had no children, TMZ reported. Wonsley is listed in the petition as his sole heir.
Wonsley signed the petition the same day hundreds of people gathered for Wells’ funeral, according to TMZ.
What happened on Horn Island
Wells traveled by boat with friends to Horn Island on July 4, TMZ previously reported. The group later returned to the mainland without him.
His phone and keys were still on the boat, according to TMZ. Two days later, his body was found along the shoreline of Horn Island, near the place where he was last known to have been.
Authorities have said they believe Wells drowned, TMZ reported. His family has continued to question what happened and has started its own investigation. TMZ reported that no official cause of death has been released.
A newly surfaced video may show Wells on the boat before he disappeared, according to TMZ. The outlet reported the footage could be the last known image of him alive.
Rewards announced at funeral
At Wells’ funeral Monday, the Rev. Al Sharpton offered $50,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction in the case, according to TMZ. Sharpton also announced that Tyler Perry would match that offer.
The estate petition does not mean a lawsuit has been filed. Based on TMZ’s report of the court papers, it positions Wonsley to act on behalf of her son’s estate if any person or party is later found to have legal responsibility for his death.
For now, the legal filing adds another front to a case that has drawn public attention as Wells’ family pushes for more answers about what happened after the July 4 boat trip to Horn Island.
This story draws on original reporting from TMZ.