Nolan Wells’ funeral will not be held at Mississippi Coast Coliseum, family decides
The Mississippi Coast Coliseum & Convention Center announced Tuesday that funeral services for Nolan Wells will no longer be held at the facility. The decision came after the Wells family chose against using the venue, according to Sam Voisin, executive director of the coliseum.
Voisin told SuperTalk Mississippi News that the family made the choice following a meeting. “On behalf of the Mississippi Coast Coliseum & Convention Center, we extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and all those mourning the loss of Nolan Wells,” he said. “We support their decision not to hold services at the coliseum and remain committed to supporting them during this difficult time.”
It was unclear why the family decided to cancel the service at the coliseum, and no new funeral arrangements have been announced. Wells, 18, from Ocean Springs, went missing after visiting Horn Island with friends on July 4. His body was recovered July 6 by a park ranger after a search of the barrier island.
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Department continues to investigate Wells’ death. While authorities have indicated drowning is a possible cause and no foul play is suspected, official autopsy results are pending. Sheriff John Ledbetter urged the public to share any information that could assist the case.
Wells’ family hired civil rights attorney Ben Crump following his death to ensure transparency in the investigation. Some have raised questions about whether race played a role, as Wells, who was Black, was photographed on a boat with three white friends hours before he went missing. Mississippi Department of Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindell said there is “no indication” race influenced the case.
Crump previously announced that filmmaker Tyler Perry had agreed to pay for Wells’ funeral, which would be officiated by Rev. Al Sharpton. The family’s decision to not hold the service at the coliseum was announced shortly after the venue’s initial approval of the plans.
Source: Original Article
