Friends of Deceased Student Sue Terrell Owens for Defamation

Biloxi Gulfport, MS, October 6, 2026 — Three individuals, identified as friends of Nolan Wells, a Black college student who died after going missing from a Mississippi island, have filed a defamation lawsuit against NFL Hall of Famer Terrell Owens. The legal action was initiated in federal court in Jackson, Mississippi.

The lawsuit alleges that Owens defamed the plaintiffs through posts made on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. According to the court documents, Owens suggested that the friends were involved in Wells’ death. These posts were reportedly made days after a grand jury declined to recommend charges in connection with Wells’ passing.

The specific details of Owens’ posts and the exact nature of the alleged defamation were not fully detailed in the initial report. Similarly, the names of the three friends who are suing Owens were not immediately provided. The lawsuit seeks damages for the harm caused by Owens’ statements.

Nolan Wells was a college student who went missing from a Mississippi island, leading to a search that ultimately resulted in the discovery of his death. The circumstances surrounding his disappearance and death have been a subject of public attention. The legal proceedings now initiated by Wells’ friends add another layer to the aftermath of the tragic event.

The plaintiff’s attorneys are expected to present evidence in federal court to support their claims of defamation. The defendant, Terrell Owens, has not yet issued a public statement regarding the lawsuit. Further proceedings in the federal court in Jackson will determine the outcome of the case.

Story summarized from the original created by Associated Press on www.wxxv25.com, see more information here.