Details regarding the funeral arrangements for Nolan Wells, the 18-year-old who was found dead on July 6 following a trip to Horn Island, Mississippi, have been officially released. Following a meeting with Jackson County District Attorney Angel Myers Mcllrath, the family and their attorney, Ben Crump, confirmed that the services will be open to family, friends, and members of the media.
The funeral service is scheduled for July 20 at Center Pointe Church in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., with the service to follow immediately. In a departure from traditional somber gatherings, the family plans to host a repast at the Jackson County Fairgrounds, which they describe as a celebration of Wells’ life.
“We want to celebrate Nolan,” said Wells’ mother, Christine Wonsley. “He would not want us to be sitting around crying and eating.”
The family has requested that any demonstrations or protests held on the day of the service remain peaceful, emphasizing that Wells was a person who valued harmony. Reverend Al Sharpton is set to deliver the eulogy.
Ongoing Investigation and Search for Truth
Wells went missing on July 4 after a boat trip with friends. His body was discovered two days later by a U.S. Park Service Ranger. While the family has met with local authorities, they report that they have yet to receive substantive information regarding the investigation into his death. Consequently, Ben Crump is conducting an independent autopsy and investigation on behalf of the family.
During a recent press conference, the family addressed the wave of misinformation circulating on social media. They urged the public to be cautious regarding unverified claims, noting that while they are reposting information to encourage tips, they are not authenticating every rumor that appears online. The family continues to seek answers, supported by public figures including Tyler Perry, who is covering funeral expenses, and Colin Kaepernick, who has contributed to the costs of the independent investigation.
For those wishing to support the family, a GoFundMe page titled “In Loving Memory of Nolan Xavier Wells” has been established to assist with the costs associated with honoring his memory.