Nolan Wells’ close friend is speaking publicly for the first time since the 18-year-old disappeared during a Fourth of July boat trip and was later found dead.

According to the New York Post, Warren Hudson, who was among the group traveling with Wells to Horn Island off Mississippi’s Gulf Coast, pushed back against online rumors that have raised questions about the circumstances surrounding the teenager’s Death.

“It’s a sick world we’re living in,” Hudson said. “It’s terrible. Nolan was my best friend.”

Wells disappeared after the group visited the island, located about 10 miles from the Mississippi coast. His body was found two days later, leaving his family and friends searching for answers.

In the days following his disappearance, questions from Wells’ parents and online commentators focused on why he was left behind and why some of his friends allegedly had his phone and keys.

Hudson said the speculation has been painful and lacks facts.

“There’s no facts out, just a lot of rumors. That’s just how the internet is today. That’s really it, it’s horrible,” he said.

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Hudson's mother, Ashlee Cole, previously addressed some of the questions surrounding the trip.

In a statement released July 7, she said the group returned to the mainland after the boat experienced a problem with its bilge pump.

“Nolan made a decision to stay on the island and return inland later with another group of friends,” Cole said.

Cole, a judge in Jackson County, also rejected claims that her family had attempted to interfere with the investigation. She said her son had been interviewed by police and “cooperated fully.”

Wells was remembered Monday at a packed funeral in his hometown.

The private casket service was attended by hundreds of mourners, including filmmaker Spike Lee and former NFL star Terrell Owens.

Wells’ mother, Christine Wonsley, urged those gathered to keep her son's memory alive.

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“I ask that each of you keep Nolan’s memory alive, hold him close in your hearts, share the stories and never stop saying his name,” she said through tears.

The Rev. Al Sharpton, who officiated the service, announced a $100,000 reward with filmmaker Tyler Perry for information leading to an arrest and conviction in the case.

Owens later pledged another $25,000, raising the total reward to $125,000.

Attorney Ben Crump, who represents the Wells family, is expected to announce preliminary findings from an independent autopsy conducted for the family.

The announcement is scheduled to take place Wednesday at the NAACP National Convention in Chicago.

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