As questions continue to surround the death of 18 year old Nolan Wells, his father is urging the friends who were with his son on a Fourth of July boating trip to come forward and explain exactly what happened before the teenager disappeared on Mississippi’s Horn Island.

Elmore Wonsley said he cannot understand why Nolan was left behind when the group returned to the mainland, insisting that no one should have abandoned his son.

“They have to answer to us,” Elmore said during an appearance on CNN’s First of All with Victor Blackwell.

“If I was in that situation, Nolan would’ve gotten on the boat. I would not have left him there,” he continued. “If you come with me, you’re going to leave with me because if anything happens to you and I was the one who brought you there, then I would be the one who has to answer to your parents.”

Nolan disappeared during a July 4 boating trip with friends to Horn Island. His body was found in the water two days later after an extensive search. Authorities have not released an official cause or manner of death, and investigators have not said whether foul play is suspected.

Several conflicting accounts have emerged about the final hours before Wells vanished.

Friends have reportedly said Nolan chose to remain on the island to spend time with a girl and socialize with another group before arranging a ride back later. Ashlee Cole, the mother of one of the teenagers on the trip, also said the group’s boat developed mechanical problems, including issues with its bilge pump, prompting them to leave while Nolan decided to stay behind.

His parents have questioned that explanation from the beginning.

Another mystery involves Wells’ personal belongings. His cellphone and house keys were reportedly left on the boat even though he remained on the island. Christine Wonsley has previously said she found it suspicious that her son’s phone contained no Snapchat photos or videos documenting the holiday outing.

The cellphone has become an important part of the investigation after a video recorded on Horn Island spread widely across social media. Some viewers believed the footage captured Nolan arguing with friends shortly before he disappeared, while attorney Ben Crump has claimed the audio includes Wells demanding someone return his phone.

However, authorities have not verified the video’s authenticity or confirmed that it is connected to Wells’ death. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office has acknowledged reviewing the footage but has not identified anyone heard or seen in the recording.

Nolan’s best friend, 17 year old Jayvon Williams, has also pushed back against several claims circulating online.

Speaking to TMZ Live, Williams said Nolan was not involved in the altercation shown in the viral video. According to him, the dispute involved another young man who had become “very hostile,” while Nolan was not part of the confrontation.

Williams also questioned why investigators have not contacted him despite his close friendship with Wells.

He further criticized suggestions by the family’s attorney, Ben Crump, that the case may involve racial bias or a cover up tied to Mississippi’s history.

“Obviously they’re going to paint it as that because none of this adds up,” Williams said.

Meanwhile, Wells’ family continues to press for a thorough investigation and complete transparency as they search for answers about what happened during the teenager’s final hours.

“We just want to know what happened and why our baby didn’t come home,” Christine Wonsley said.

The family has retained civil rights attorney Ben Crump and commissioned an independent autopsy, with former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick helping cover the cost. Investigators say the case remains active as they continue working to determine exactly how Nolan Wells died.