Rev. Al Sharpton announced a $50,000 reward during Nolan Wells’ funeral on Monday for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in the death of the 18 year old Mississippi college football player.
“I want to offer a reward of $50,000 to anybody that will give information that will lead to an arrest and a conviction in the case of what happened,” Sharpton told mourners at Center Pointe Church in Ocean Springs. “You were not on that island by yourself. Somebody saw something and knows something.”
Before the service ended, Sharpton said filmmaker Tyler Perry had texted him and offered to match the reward with another $50,000, bringing the total reward to $100,000.
The announcement came during an emotional funeral attended by Wells’ family, friends, teammates, and community members. Speakers remembered Nolan for his faith, kindness, and athletic achievements while also calling for a full investigation into the events surrounding his death.
Sharpton, who has been working with the family alongside civil rights attorney Ben Crump, said the search for answers should be based on evidence, not rumors.
“We want a full and thorough investigation,” he said. “We don’t want anything sugarcoated either way.”
Nolan Wells disappeared after traveling with friends to Horn Island for a Fourth of July party. His body was found in the water two days later, and the case has drawn national attention as questions continue about what happened during his final hours.
Authorities have said they have not found evidence of foul play and believe drowning is possible, but Nolan’s parents have said they do not believe his death was an accident.
Addressing the growing debate around the case, Sharpton said investigators should examine all the evidence before making any conclusions about whether race played a role.
“We cannot say it was racist, but we cannot say it was not racist,” he said. “Let’s not judge either way until all the evidence is examined.”
Crump also urged anyone who was on Horn Island that day to come forward with firsthand information.
“They went out on the boat, the boat came back, and Nolan washed up on the shore two days later dead,” he said. “Wouldn’t you want answers? Wouldn’t you want justice?”
During the service, Nolan’s mother, Christine Wonsley, fought back tears as she described her son as a gentle young man who made people feel welcome and valued.
“He had such a gentle, calming spirit about him,” she said. “He had a way of making people feel seen, welcome, and valued.”
She also shared that Nolan dreamed of becoming a father and hoped to have three daughters one day.
Nolan’s father, Elmore Wonsley, remembered his son’s accomplishments in football, basketball, and baseball and said he was proud of the man Nolan had become.
“I want to start out by saying how proud I am of you, my son,” he said. “Everyone enjoyed being around you.”
The investigation remains ongoing. Official autopsy and toxicology results have not yet been released, and the FBI is assisting local investigators while also looking into threats made against people connected to the case.
Sharpton said the reward money would be provided through the National Action Network, with Perry’s contribution doubling the amount available for anyone who can provide information that helps solve the case.
As the funeral ended, Nolan’s family promised they would continue seeking answers and keep fighting for justice in his name.