AI Generated Image
A Photo of Nolan Wells at a Pool Party Went Viral. It's Not From July 4
Rolling Stone • • general
Key Points:
- A photo of Mississippi teen Nolan Wells at a pool party went viral, sparking false claims it was taken the night he went missing; it was actually taken a week earlier on June 27, confirmed by a friend and photo metadata.
- Misinformation, including misinterpreted videos and AI-generated images, has complicated the investigation into Wells' death following his disappearance on July 4 during a boat trip to Horn Island.
- Wells’ friend and family have expressed distress over the spread of false theories online, urging respect for their privacy and accurate information sharing.
- The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and Wells’ family attorney are conducting investigations, requesting original, unedited photos and credible tips from the public.
- Wells’ mother publicly appealed for any information or media related to July 4, condemning those making light of her son’s death and emphasizing the family's grief.
