Al Sharpton and Ben Crump to attend Nolan Wells funeral
The 18-year-old’s Ocean Springs service comes as his family presses for answers after his body was found on Horn Island.
By Bianca Rossi · Entertainment Editor
2 min read
Rev. Al Sharpton is set to officiate the funeral for Nolan Wells, the 18-year-old Mississippi teen whose death after a Fourth of July trip has left his family demanding answers, TMZ reported.
The service is being held Monday morning in Wells’ hometown of Ocean Springs, where relatives, friends and civil rights leaders are gathering to remember him, according to TMZ. Family attorney Ben Crump is also expected to speak and deliver what TMZ described as a call for justice.
Wells traveled by boat with high school friends to Horn Island for a Fourth of July gathering, TMZ reported. The group later returned without him.
Two days after that trip, Wells’ body was found along the shore of the island, according to TMZ.
TMZ reported that Wells’ friends initially told investigators he had decided to remain on the island because he thought he could get another ride back. His parents have publicly challenged that version of events, according to the outlet.
Crump is carrying out a separate investigation for the family while the official inquiry continues, TMZ reported. Autopsy and toxicology results have not yet been released.
According to TMZ, the investigative findings are expected to be presented to a grand jury. The report did not say when that presentation may happen.
The case has drawn attention from several prominent public figures. TMZ reported that former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick paid for an independent autopsy for Wells.
TMZ also reported that Tyler Perry covered the teen’s funeral expenses. The support has come as Wells’ family continues to press for more information about what happened before his body was discovered.
Monday’s service is centered on Wells’ life, but it arrives with the investigation still unresolved. His family has not backed away from its push for answers, according to TMZ, even as official medical findings remain pending.
Sharpton’s role at the funeral and Crump’s presence place the case in the national civil rights spotlight. Crump, who is representing the family, has said through his involvement that the family is seeking justice, TMZ reported.
No final cause or manner of death has been reported. The official autopsy and toxicology results remain key pieces of the investigation.
This story draws on original reporting from TMZ.