Warren Hudson has broken his silence amid continued public scrutiny surrounding the case of 18-year-old Nolan Wells, whose body was found near Horn Island after he went missing during a Fourth of July boating trip.

Hudson has maintained that Nolan chose to remain on the island while others left because of an emergency involving the boat. His account has faced public questions, particularly over differing accounts about whether Nolan intended to stay behind or return with the group.

The case has attracted intense attention and online speculation, but authorities have not charged Hudson or the other friends in connection with Nolan’s d#ath. A Jackson County grand jury later reviewed witness testimony, digital evidence, GPS information and other investigative material before determining that there was insufficient evidence of criminal conduct to issue charges.

For now, claims circulating online about FBI findings or newly exposed contradictions should be treated cautiously unless they are confirmed by law enforcement or reliable reporting.

Source: WLOX, TheGrio, ABC News