Nolan Wells update: Friend makes new claim about viral video at center of Horn Island probe (Image via Getty)A close friend of late Mississippi teen Nolan Wells is now publicly sharing what he says happened on Horn Island on July 4, pushing back against claims linked to a viral video that has become a major part of the discussion around Wells’ death. Speaking to ABC News, Tracestin Shepherd said the voice heard in the video was his, not Wells’. He also disputed claims that the footage captured Wells asking for his phone back. The comments come as authorities continue investigating the death of the 18-year-old college football player, whose body was recovered from waters near Horn Island on July 7.Tracestin Shepherd says viral Horn Island video does not show Nolan WellsAccording to Shepherd, the viral video circulating online has been widely misunderstood. He told ABC News that he was the person heard shouting in the footage and said the argument shown was connected to a fight involving him and another man, not Nolan Wells.“That’s me yelling. … there was no talk about a phone in that video,” Shepherd said. He explained that people were trying to hold him back during the altercation and that he was asking to be let off a boat so he could continue the fight.Shepherd said he, Wells and several friends had spent the day on Horn Island after arriving by boat for a holiday gathering. He described the event as a final get-together before friends returned to school or work after the July 4 weekend. Hundreds of people, including former classmates from Ocean Springs High School, were also on the island that day.Later, Shepherd said one boat needed to head back because of an electrical problem. According to him, Wells chose to remain on the island after meeting a girl and planned to return later on another friend’s boat. Authorities have said they are interviewing people who were with Wells or may have spoken to him that day.Nolan Wells death investigation continues as friends respond to claimsWells’ death remains under investigation. Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter has said he suspects drowning, but officials are still waiting for final answers. An autopsy has been completed by the Mississippi state medical examiner, though results have not yet been released.Shepherd also addressed questions surrounding Wells’ phone. Speaking to ABC News, he said it was common for people in the group to leave their phones on boats while swimming. He claimed Wells placed his phone on a boat dashboard alongside many other devices before entering the water.The case has drawn national attention after civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who represents Wells’ family, raised concerns about several pieces of evidence and called for a thorough investigation. Shepherd said he has already spoken with investigators and wants authorities to determine the facts before conclusions are made.He also said he and other friends have received threats since Wells’ body was found. Because of those concerns, Shepherd declined to appear on camera during his interview with ABC News.Despite disagreements over some details, Wells’ parents told ABC News through Crump that they welcome all accounts of what happened. They said every witness statement could help uncover the truth as both official and independent investigations continue.