Photo credit: Nolan well/Ben Crump (Youtube)
The Nolan Wells funeral took place Monday at Center Point Church in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, weeks after the 19-year-old was found dead in the waters near Horn Island.
Wells disappeared after traveling with a group to the island during the Fourth of July holiday weekend. Authorities recovered his body on July 6, prompting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
Following the funeral service, family and friends gathered at the Jackson County Fairgrounds for a celebration of Wells’ life.
Filmmaker Tyler Perry covered the cost of the funeral services. Reverend Al Sharpton delivered the ceremony, while civil rights attorney Ben Crump was expected to speak on behalf of the family with what they described as a call for justice.
Crump said Wells’ loved ones remain devastated and are struggling to understand what happened.
“Fourth of July will never be the same for the Nolan Wells family,” Crump said while discussing the family’s grief and the emotional impact of the tragedy.
Ben Crump continues independent investigation
Crump said his team has received information from people who were on Horn Island and others who may have relevant evidence.
The attorney explained that investigators have received photographs, videos, and witness accounts that could help answer questions surrounding Wells’ death.
Crump said his team is working separately from law enforcement while sharing information when possible. He added that his investigation and the official investigation may not always follow the same approach.
Authorities in Mississippi have not closed the case. Officials continue asking anyone with photos, videos, or information about Wells’ final hours to come forward.
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Department has reportedly interviewed more than 60 witnesses as investigators continue reviewing the available evidence.
Emergency audio raises new questions
The investigation gained additional attention after NBC News obtained emergency audio connected to the timeline of Wells’ disappearance.
In the recording, a caller reported that a boat was sinking and requested assistance. The audio raised questions about what happened before Wells disappeared, including the boat’s movements and the timeline of events.
Crump said his team believes there may be additional information that has not yet been released.
“We believe there’s more to this story,” Crump said, adding that officials should provide complete transparency and release all available information.
The attorney said his team is examining details surrounding the boat, including when it left Horn Island and when it returned.
Family faces grief and public pressure
As Wells’ family prepared for his funeral, his mother revealed that she received hate mail at her home.
She shared her frustration online, saying her family was only asking questions about what happened to their son.
Crump criticized the harassment and said grieving families should not face hostility while searching for answers.
The attorney also said many questions remain unanswered, including details involving the people who were with Wells before his death.
The investigation continues as Wells’ family lays him to rest and seeks clarity about the circumstances that led to his death.
For now, authorities and Crump’s legal team are continuing their separate investigations while urging anyone with information to come forward.
Source: NBC News interview with Ben Crump
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