Family and friends of Mississippi teenager Nolan Wells are scheduled to gather on Monday for his funeral. Rev. Al Sharpton is slated to deliver a eulogy at the service, which will be held at Center Pointe Church in Ocean Springs, the hometown of the 18-year-old. Tyler Perry is reportedly covering the funeral expenses.
Wells went missing on July 4th after embarking on a boat trip with high school friends to Horn Island, an undeveloped barrier island south of Ocean Springs. According to Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter and the family's attorney, Ben Crump, Wells' friends returned from the island without him, with the understanding that he had chosen to stay behind.
Authorities recovered Wells' body two days later. While officials believe the college football player drowned and do not suspect foul play, the sheriff's office stated that investigators are diligently working to determine the precise events that transpired. The family, seeking answers, has sent Wells' body to Washington, D.C., for an independent autopsy. Sheriff Ledbetter indicated that the sheriff's office welcomes this independent investigation, viewing it as an opportunity for additional information and scrutiny.
"We're working towards the same goal as the family -- we want a thorough investigation," Ledbetter said. "By all means, that's more information looking into the death of Nolan that will be made available and another set of eyes looking at it."
Wells' mother, Christine Wonsley, described her son as a "bright light" with an "infectious" smile and energy, remembering him as a "genuinely good person."
