Nolan Wells funeral held July 20 as investigation continues

The funeral for Nolan Wells, an 18-year-old college football player whose body was found on a Mississippi barrier island after he went missing on July 4, was held on Monday, July 20, 2026, in his hometown of Ocean Springs. The service drew civil rights leaders and hundreds of mourners as authorities continue to investigate the circumstances of his death.

Rev. Al Sharpton delivered the eulogy at Center Pointe Church, while the family's attorney, Ben Crump, issued a call for justice. Following the funeral, a celebration of life was held at the Jackson County Fairgrounds, as requested by Wells's mother, Christine Wonsley, who said her son would not want people sitting around crying. Actor Tyler Perry covered the funeral expenses.

Wells, a wide receiver at Southwest Mississippi Community College, traveled by boat with high school friends to Horn Island for a Fourth of July gathering. His friends returned to the mainland that afternoon without him, telling investigators Wells chose to stay behind, believing he could catch another ride. His mother reported him missing around midnight. A U.S. park ranger found his body on the northwest shore of the island on July 6.