Friends of Nolan Wells sue Terrell Owens for defamation

Three friends of Nolan Wells are suing NFL Hall of Famer Terrell Owens for defamation, according to the Independent and ABC News. The lawsuit follows the death of Wells, a Black college student who went missing from a Mississippi island and was later found dead. [1][8][9][10]

Lawyers for the three friends stated that they plan to file additional defamation claims against content creators. The lawyers previously noted their intent to sue civil rights activist the Reverend Al Sharpton and the television talk show The View, the Independent reported. [1]

Wells went missing on July 4, 2026, after attending an Independence Day gathering on Horn Island, a barrier island off the Mississippi Gulf Coast, with a group of friends. His body was found on the shoreline two days later. Investigators reported no evidence of foul play and suspected drowning. [1][12]

In September 2026, a grand jury declined to bring criminal charges, deeming the death consistent with drowning. Investing.com reported that the family of Wells is seeking a federal probe into his death after the grand jury declined to indict anyone. [2][12]

Terrell Owens is a former professional football wide receiver who played in the National Football League for 15 seasons and ranks third in career receiving yards and receiving touchdowns. [11][13]