‘Tell the truth’: Rev. Al Sharpton, Tyler Perry offer $100K reward for info in Nolan Wells’ death

OCEAN SPRINGS, Miss. (Gray News) - Rev. Al Sharpton said a large reward will be offered to anyone who provides more information in the death of Nolan Wells, the 18-year-old who died during a July 4 trip to an island with friends.

Sharpton made the announcement during Wells’ funeral Monday.

“I want to put up a reward of $50,000 for anybody who could give the information that will lead to an arrest and a conviction in the case of what happened,” Sharpton said. “He 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.”

Moments after he announced his $50,000 reward, Sharpton revealed that Tyler Perry texted him saying he would match the reward for anyone who comes forward with information to help the case.

“You know that Tyler Perry said he would pay for the funeral. He must be watching because he said, ‘I’m gonna match you and put up $50,000 more.’ So, we’re putting up $100,000 for anybody that’ll come forward,” Sharpton said. “We just want the truth. That’s all. We just want the truth, and we want to thank Tyler Perry.”

Family and friends gathered at Center Pointe Church in Ocean Springs for Wells’ funeral.

“We thank you, Lord, for the beautiful 18 years that you blessed us with him,” Wells’ mother, Christine Wonsley, said at the church.

She described her 18-year-old son as protective and nurturing, noting that he hoped to have three daughters one day.

“We will continue to fight for you,” she said through tears.

Filmmaker Spike Lee and NFL player Terrell Owens were in attendance. Tyler Perry paid for the funeral services.

Wells went missing during a July 4 trip with friends to Horn Island in Mississippi. Two days later, the 18-year-old was found dead on the island.

Authorities said they believe Wells drowned and do not suspect foul play, but investigators are working to determine what happened.

Many have been awaiting the results of Wells’ autopsy. Toxicology testing is conducted by outside laboratories, and the analysis and review process can take several weeks.

A spokesperson for the Mississippi Department of Public Safety said, “Every case is unique and deserves a thorough review; therefore, cases cannot all be handled the same way or on the same timeline.”

The autopsy from the coroner’s office has not yet been completed. Wells’ family is desperate for answers and sent his body to Washington, D.C., for an independent autopsy.