“Somebody saw something and knows something”: Al Sharpton and Tyler Perry offer $100,000 in reward for information about Nolan Wells’ death

The mysterious death of Nolan Wells, 18, a college student and footballer, has shocked the people of Mississippi's Ocean Springs and has kept them on their toes.

The African-American teenager, Nolan Wells, who went on a boat trip to Mississippi's Horn Island along with a bunch of his friends to celebrate the 4th of July, after disappearing under mysterious circumstances, was found dead a couple of days later on July 6, 2026, near the island's shoreline by a park ranger.

According to People, while the exact cause of his unfortunate death remains a mystery, Nolan Wells' friends and well-wishers have come together in solidarity, seeking truth and justice for him. Nolan's family also received significant support from their community, which helped raise over $700,000 through a reported GoFundMe.

As the investigation of Nolan Wells' death is ongoing with no proper leads so far, according to People, during his funeral on July 20, Al Sharpton, who is a renowned civil rights activist and an ordained minister, stated that anyone coming forward to help find the truth about Nolan's death would receive $50k that he has put up. Sharpton said:

The money is for those who "could give the information that will lead to an arrest and a conviction in the case of what happened."

Sharpton further added:

"He [Nolan Wells] was not on that island by himself, somebody saw something and knows something. So, I didn't come to make money. I came to give money. Stand up and tell the truth. Whatever it is, good or bad."

After Al Sharpton announced that he was putting up money for anyone who could provide legitimate information regarding Nolan Wells' death, the film director-turned-Madea's Family Reunion actor Tyler Perry came forward and contributed another $50,000 matching Sharpton's reward amount. Perry, who is considered one of Hollywood's richest actors and filmmakers, also paid for Nolan's memorial, as per People.

The late Nolan Wells' mother, Christine Wonsley, said, "We'll continue to fight for you"

According to People, on the day of Nolan's funeral, his mother Christine and father Elmore Wonsley, who were extremely emotional, addressed the congregation at the Center Point Church in Ocean Springs and said:

"Nolan, we love you. We'll continue to fight for you."

While talking about the nature of her son, Nolan, Christine said:

"Nolan had such a gentle, calming spirit about him. He had a way of making people feel seen, welcome and valued. He could lift your confidence with just a few words and make you feel like you belonged."

She went ahead and said:

"If you ever had the privilege of meeting our son Nolan or calling him a friend, then you experienced a glimpse of God’s love through him."

Christine further added:

Trending

"We will miss everything about him, from his quiet nature to the corny jokes, his gentle smile, the way he made everyone around him feel comfortable. … Your absence has left an emptiness that can never truly be filled, a piece of our hearts will always be missing."

Keep following Soap Central for more.

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback