Nolan Wells mourned at Mississippi funeral as family presses for answers
The 18-year-old’s service was held in Ocean Springs, with Al Sharpton officiating and Ben Crump expected to call for justice.
By Georgia Hale · Staff Writer
2 min read
Family and friends gathered Monday in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, to remember Nolan Wells, the 18-year-old whose death after a Fourth of July trip to Horn Island has left his loved ones pushing for answers.
TMZ reported the funeral service was held at Center Pointe Church, with the Rev. Al Sharpton officiating. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who represents the family, was set to deliver a call for justice during the service, according to the outlet.
WLOX News carried a live stream of the memorial on YouTube under the title “Remembering Nolan Wells: Loved ones gather to honor his memory.”
Wells disappeared after traveling by boat with friends to Horn Island for a Fourth of July gathering, TMZ previously reported. According to that reporting, his friends returned to the mainland without him.
His body was found two days later on Horn Island, TMZ reported.
The friends who were with Wells told investigators that he decided to remain on the island because he believed he would be able to get another ride back, according to TMZ. Wells’ parents have publicly questioned that version of events, the outlet reported.
Investigation continues
Crump is carrying out an independent investigation into Wells’ death, according to TMZ. Official autopsy and toxicology results have not yet been released.
TMZ reported that the findings are expected to be presented to a grand jury.
The case has drawn attention beyond Mississippi. TMZ reported that former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick paid for an independent autopsy, while filmmaker Tyler Perry paid for Wells’ funeral.
The service came as Wells’ family and supporters continue to seek clarity about what happened on Horn Island and why he did not return with the group he had traveled with earlier in the holiday weekend.
No final cause or manner of death has been reported. With official test results still pending, the public account of Wells’ final hours remains incomplete.
Sharpton’s role at the funeral and Crump’s involvement underscore the growing public scrutiny around the case. Crump, a nationally known civil rights attorney, has been representing the family as they press for more information.
For Wells’ loved ones, Monday’s service was also a farewell: a public moment of grief for a teenager whose death has become the center of a widening demand for answers.
This story draws on original reporting from TMZ.