UPDATE: Family of Man Linked to Horn Island Speaks Out, Says He Fully Cooperated in Nolan Wells Investigation

HORN ISLAND, Miss. — The family of a man who was present near Horn Island on July 4 says he voluntarily provided investigators with extensive information in the ongoing investigation into the death of 18-year-old Nolan Wells, emphasizing that he has not been charged with a crime and has never been publicly identified as a suspect.

The statement, released by the family of Bart Edmiston Jr. on Wednesday, outlines what they describe as his full cooperation with law enforcement following the incident.

It is important to note that the details in the family’s statement have not been independently confirmed by law enforcement, and no investigative agency has publicly verified the claims.

According to the family, Edmiston voluntarily participated in interviews with investigators, answered all questions regarding his whereabouts on July 4, and provided unrestricted access to his cellphone, photographs, videos, boat, and GPS device.

The family further stated that Edmiston cooperated without legal representation, warrants, or hesitation, describing his actions as an effort to assist investigators in establishing a complete timeline of events.

One of the most notable claims in the statement involves a list of more than 20 potential witnesses that Edmiston reportedly compiled himself.

According to the family, the list includes passengers aboard his boat and individuals aboard another vessel who they believe can verify his movements throughout portions of the day.

The statement alleges that more than 20 people across two boats witnessed Edmiston assisting another vessel that had begun taking on water near Horn Island.

The family says Edmiston boarded the distressed boat, removed its transom plug to allow accumulated water to drain, and briefly towed the vessel until it was no longer in danger.

The Edmistons stress that these witnesses are not being presented as eyewitnesses to Nolan Wells’ death. Instead, they say the individuals can corroborate where Edmiston was and what he was doing during the time in question.

“This is corroboration of Bart’s own movements,” the family said in essence, distinguishing their claims from any new evidence regarding the circumstances surrounding Wells’ death.

The family also strongly denied online speculation surrounding Edmiston, stating that he did not kill Nolan Wells, did not witness his death, and did not participate in any cover-up. They further noted that investigators have never publicly identified him as a suspect.

The death of Nolan Wells has drawn widespread public attention, with investigators continuing to piece together the events surrounding the July 4 incident near Horn Island. Authorities have released limited information publicly, and the investigation remains active.

At this time, law enforcement has not publicly commented on the Edmiston family’s statement or confirmed any of the details it contains.

As the investigation continues, officials have urged the public to avoid speculation and allow investigators to follow the evidence wherever it leads.