In a powerful show of support for the family of 18-year-old Nolan Wells, Atlanta-based media mogul Tyler Perry and civil rights leader Rev. Al Sharpton have jointly offered a $100,000 reward for information leading to answers in the teen’s unexplained death following a Fourth of July celebration on Mississippi’s Horn Island.
The announcement came during Wells’ funeral on Monday, July 20, at Center Pointe Church in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, where Sharpton delivered the eulogy. Sharpton pledged $50,000, which Perry immediately matched via text message.
Tyler Perry and Rev. Al Sharpton Offer $100,000 Reward for Information in the Mysterious Death of Teen Nolan Wells
“We’re putting up $100,000 for anybody that’ll come forward. We just want the truth. That’s all,” Sharpton told mourners. “We just want the truth and we want to thank Tyler Perry.”
Sharpton emphasized that the reward aims to uncover facts that could lead to an arrest and conviction, while stressing he does not want to prejudice the outcome. He also pushed back against criticism suggesting he and attorney Ben Crump were involved for financial or publicity reasons.
“First of all, I don’t get any money in any of what we do,” Sharpton said. He noted that he and his associates often help cover funeral costs without seeking repayment, even in cases resulting in settlements. Tyler Perry had previously stepped in to help pay for Wells’ funeral.
The Case: What Happened to Nolan Wells?
Nolan Wells, an 18-year-old college student and football player, traveled by boat with friends to Horn Island, a barrier island off the Mississippi Gulf Coast, for Fourth of July festivities. He was reported missing hours later. His body was discovered two days later on the northwest end of the island.
The case has raised many questions. Attendees described a large, raucous party with hundreds of people present. There are conflicting accounts about whether Wells chose to stay behind when his group left due to a boat issue. His parents say it was highly out of character for him to separate from the group, especially without his phone (which was later returned by a friend).
Official and independent investigations continue, with autopsies still pending. Authorities have suggested drowning as a possible cause, but the family disputes rushing to that conclusion given the circumstances and has called for full transparency. Mississippi’s racial history has also been referenced in calls for a thorough probe.
Attorney Ben Crump, representing the family, echoed the demand for answers: “They went out on the boat, the boat came back and Nolan washed up on a shore two days later — dead. Wouldn’t you want answers? Wouldn’t you want transparency? Wouldn’t you want the truth? Wouldn’t you want justice?”
Community Support and Ongoing Mysteries
The Wells family has received significant backing, including more than $700,000 raised through an online fundraiser. At the funeral, Wells’ mother, Christine Wonsley, shared touching memories of her son, describing him as someone who brought joy and hoped to become a father to three girls someday.
The family has faced challenges, including hate mail sent to Wonsley. She responded on social media, calling out the behavior and urging critics to “go touch some grass.”
Despite numerous witnesses at the party, key details about Wells’ final hours remain unclear. An independent autopsy funded in part by Colin Kaepernick is also underway, according to related reports.
A Call for Truth
The $100,000 reward underscores high-profile determination to resolve lingering questions. Sharpton’s message was direct: Stand up and tell the truth, whatever it is.
As investigations proceed, the Wells family, supported by community leaders, celebrities, and the public, continues seeking closure. Anyone with information is urged to come forward.