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OCEAN SPRINGS, Miss. — Family, friends and supporters from across the country gathered Monday to celebrate the life of 18-year-old Nolan Wells, whose death following a Fourth of July boating trip continues to raise questions as investigators work to determine exactly what happened.
The funeral, held at Center Pointe Church in Ocean Springs, was attended by hundreds of mourners. Many arrived early, forming lines outside the church before the service began. Friends, classmates and football teammates honored Wells by wearing his school colors, fulfilling a request from his family. The services were also streamed live.
Wells' mother, Christine Wells-Wonsley, wore a memorial pin bearing her son's photograph as she and her husband, Elmore Wonsley, reflected on the young man they described as kind, compassionate and devoted to his family.
"I want to give all thanks and honor and glory to God for choosing Elmore and me to be Nolan's parents," Christine Wells-Wonsley told those gathered. "We thank you, Lord, for the beautiful 18 years that you blessed us with him."
Family members remembered Nolan as a gentle young man, a role model to his younger siblings and a gifted athlete whose dream was to continue playing football at the collegiate level.
The service drew supporters from across the nation, including civil rights leaders, athletes and members of the Ocean Springs community, underscoring how the teenager's death has resonated far beyond Mississippi.
Rev. Al Sharpton Calls for Patience and Transparency
The Rev. Al Sharpton delivered the eulogy, urging the public not to rush to conclusions while also calling for a complete and transparent investigation.
Sharpton said the family deserves answers and encouraged anyone with firsthand knowledge of the events surrounding Wells' disappearance to come forward. During the service, he also announced a $100,000 reward for information leading to accountability in the case, with half of the reward funded by filmmaker Tyler Perry.
While urging patience, Sharpton acknowledged that significant questions remain, including those surrounding Wells' cellphone and the timeline leading up to his disappearance.
New GPS Data Adds to Timeline
As the funeral was held, new investigative details continued to emerge.
GPS data obtained by CBS News from the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources provides investigators with a more detailed timeline of the boat's movements on July 4. According to the records, the vessel departed a private dock at approximately 9:56 a.m., arrived at Horn Island around 11:14 a.m., and later left the island at approximately 4:31 p.m. without Wells onboard. The boat later returned to its original dock before making additional trips through Fort Bayou and ultimately being transported to Biloxi. Authorities say several individuals associated with the boat have cooperated with investigators.
Newly Released Audio
Newly released audio has also added another piece to the investigation.
Recordings obtained through public records requests capture someone aboard the boat calling for assistance after reporting the vessel was taking on water because its bilge pump had stopped working. During the call, the dispatcher asked whether everyone aboard was accounted for and safe, and the caller responded affirmatively. Investigators have not said whether the audio changes the official timeline or conclusions of the investigation.
Authorities have previously stated that Wells did not return to the mainland with the group. His body was discovered two days later in waters near Horn Island. Official autopsy results remain pending, and the Jackson County Sheriff's Office continues to lead the investigation.
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