Nolan Wells’ parents voice concerns about son’s mysterious death; Tyler Perry, Colin Kaepernick among those ᴀssisting

Sharpton said what had been told to them so far did not make sense, with much of the news conference focused on the family’s concerns about transparency and “contradictions” in the investigation.

Some of the concerns shared were about Wells supposed choice to stay behind on the island, the process of retrieving his cellphone and keys from friends’ houses, an alleged argument at the island, when and where Wells’ body washed ashore, and about Mississippi law enforcement being the one to investigate a case with possible racial undertones.

“You say don’t rush the judgement, saying it was racism. Don’t rush the judgment saying it was not racism, because we do not know,” Sharpton said. “We want justice. Let the chips fall where they may.”

Crump said his team is leading an independent investigation on behalf of the family, including an independent autopsy that took place in D.C.

“It’s a lived experience for many Black Americans that oftentimes when our children are killed in highly questionable situations, there is this notion that there was nothing wrong, no foul play, let’s just sweep it under the rug,” Crump said. “We refuse to let them sweep it under the rug. We refuse that Nolan Wells’ death be in vain.”

Independent autopsy results were expected Friday, but Crump said there was a delay due to canceled flights. Crump said his team will announce the results as soon as they have them.

According to Crump, Former NFL player and civil rights activist Colin Kaepernick contributed funding toward the independent autopsy. Filmmaker and comedian Tyler Perry is also said to be helping to pay for the funeral costs.

Rev. Sharpton said filmmaker Spike Lee has also shown support.

“[Wells’] family wanted to make sure they had a doctor who had no ties to Mississippi law enforcement to do an independent examination of their son’s body,” Crump said.

Wells’ mother, Christine Wonsley, said that when law enforcement told her and her husband it was most likely an accidental drowning, it made them uncomfortable.

“Why are we so quick to rush to this?” Wonsley asked.

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office shared earlier this week that it suspected Wells drowned, but no official cause of death has been released. Results from the autopsy, which was conducted Tuesday by the Mississippi State Medical Examiner’s Office, are currently pending.

Crump said his team hasn’t reached out to the other boys on the boat who were reported to be with Wells, but that the boys also have attorneys, with Crump’s team planning on reaching out to them soon.

Crump said they have talked to other people who were out at Horn Island on July 4. He also said his team is still searching for more pH๏τos and videos from that day.

According to Crump, his team currently has Wells’ phone for their own investigation, but will turn it over to Mississippi investigators once they’re done with it.

Investigators said that Wells was last seen alive on July 4, around 3 p.m. on Horn Island while with friends on a boat before his body was found Monday morning by a park ranger.

The 18-year-old’s mother shared a post on Facebook confirming the loss earlier this week.

“My heartbroken for my sweet son who was always willing to cheer and uplift others,” she said. “Nolan was a special soul; God took his time creating our son. I ask that you please give me and my family time to grieve.”

Wells’ mother reported him missing late that Saturday night, leading to the mᴀssive search. She said her son was “the kindest soul” who loved everyone and never met a stranger.

“This is not how I wanted the world to meet my son, but here we are,” Christine Wonsley shared at Friday’s news conference. “He just wanted everyone to be at peace with one another. He loved life.”

Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter said the investigation remains active and asked the public to allow time for the case to develop.

“I’ll ᴀssure you that the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office is looking at this whole case just like we would any other case,” Ledbetter said. “And we’re going to be as thorough as we can.”

Ledbetter said his office is working toward the same goal as the family.