Nolan Wells (Image Via Getty)Judge Ashlee Cole has spoken publicly after days of online rumors surrounding the death of 18-year-old Nolan Wells. In a Facebook statement, the Mississippi judge said she had deactivated her social media accounts because she feared for her children’s safety as false claims spread online. Cole also confirmed that her son, Warren, was one of Wells’ friends and said he has fully cooperated with investigators. She urged people to focus on facts instead of speculation while the investigation continues. Judge Ashlee Cole says Nolan Wells chose to stay on Horn Island as investigation continuesIn her statement, Ashlee Cole first offered condolences to Nolan Wells’ family and said her family is also grieving the teenager’s death. “Our family, along with the community, grieves the loss of Nolan Wells. Our thoughts and prayers are with Nolan’s family. Our son, Warren, loved Nolan dearly.”Cole then explained why she temporarily deleted her Facebook account. “Yes, I deactivated my Facebook. Given the very heightened emotional state of social media right now, I fear for the safety of my child and my children. My husband and I have six children and we covet their privacy.”She also shared what she said investigators have already established. According to Cole, Warren was interviewed by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department and cooperated throughout the investigation.“Warren was interviewed by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department and cooperated fully. He saw Nolan last at around 3 pm on July 4th. They left around 4:30 pm when the boat was taking on water and they had an issue with the bilge pump. Nolan made a decision to stay on the island and return inland later with another group of friends.”Cole also stressed that her family was not present on Horn Island that day and denied claims that they had tried to influence the investigation.“My husband and I were not at Horn Island at any point on 4th of July. No one in our family is trying in any way to impede with the investigation by law enforcement or to otherwise hamper the family and law enforcement’s quest for answers.”Nolan Wells’ mother asks public to report fake AI videos as officials seek more informationAshlee Cole said she personally knows Nolan’s mother, Christine Wells-Wonsley, describing her as a former schoolmate and someone she respects deeply.“I have the utmost respect for her and all of the Wells family. We mourn the loss of Nolan with them. Our prayers have been and will continue to be with them.”She also explained that deleting her social media was not an attempt to hide anything.“Yes, I am a judge. I also value transparency. I apologize if anyone was offended that I deleted my social media. There were no nefarious motivations in my deleting my social media. Social media has a lot of positives, but a whole lot of negatives. We live in a world of click baiting. Sad, but true.”Meanwhile, Nolan Wells’ mother also addressed misinformation spreading online. She warned people about an AI-generated video that falsely appeared to represent her.“THIS VIDEO WAS NOT CREATED BY ME OR ANYONE WORKING CLOSELY WITH MY HUSBAND AND I. This is AI generated. For God’s sake please respect our privacy. Please REPORT THIS VIDEO!”She also reminded the public that only attorney Ben Crump and his legal team are authorized to speak on behalf of the family.Nolan Wells disappeared after visiting Horn Island with friends on July 4. According to the Sun Herald, his body was found on July 7 by a National Park Service ranger near the western tip of Northwest Horn Island. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone who was on or near Horn Island on July 4 to submit photos or videos that could help investigators.