Remembering Nolan Wells: Loved ones gather to honor his memory

OCEAN SPRINGS, Miss. (WLOX) — Funeral services for Nolan Xavier Wells, the 18-year-old who died following a Fourth of July trip to Horn Island, were held Monday at Center Pointe Church in Ocean Springs.

Visitation began at 9 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11 a.m. A repast was held afterward at the Jackson County Fairgrounds and was open only to invited guests.

Wells was a 2025 graduate and multi-sport athlete at Ocean Springs High School who went on to play football at Southwest Mississippi Community College.

Filmmaker Spike Lee and NFL player Terrell Owens were in attendance. Actor and filmmaker Tyler Perry paid for the funeral services.

Wells’ parents, Christine and Elmore Wonsley, spoke at the service.

“We thank you, Lord, for the beautiful 18 years that you blessed us with,” Christine said. “As much as our hearts are broken, we find peace knowing that our son rests in the arms of the Lord.”

Nolan’s parents also shared stories about their son and described his loving and kind nature.

“We will always be proud of the legacy of love, kindness and faith that you have left behind,” Christine said.

“You grew up to be a very young man that everyone enjoyed to be around,” Elmore said.

The Rev. Al Sharpton delivered the eulogy, honoring Wells and addressing the investigation into his death.

“We want to celebrate Nolan and at the same time say we want a full and thorough investigation,” Sharpton said. “For an 18-year-old young man to no longer be with us, we want answers.”

Sharpton also announced a $50,000 reward for anyone who provides information leading to an arrest and conviction in the case. Perry said he would match the reward, bringing the total to $100,000.

Attorney Ben Crump also spoke at the service, leading the crowd in a “Justice for Nolan Wells” chant.

“We are on a ferocious search for the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help me God,” Crump said. “We are going to keep ringing the justice bells for Nolan Wells all over the world, because Nolan’s life mattered.”

Crump then brought up Nolan’s parents and led the crowd in another chant of “Nolan’s life mattered.”

Following the funeral, Crump, Rev. Sharpton and Wells’ parents held a press conference.

Crump’s team is conducting an independent investigation into Wells’ death.

Wells was found in the water just off Horn Island on the morning of July 6. He was reported missing the night of July 4 after he did not return from a boating trip with friends.

His cause and manner of death have not been released. Results from an independent autopsy requested by Crump’s team and results from the original autopsy conducted by the Mississippi State Medical Examiner’s Office are not yet available.

Watch the full funeral service below:

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