When Is Nolan Wells’ Funeral? Memorial Service Announced as Family Awaits Independent Autopsy

Funeral arrangements have been finalized for college football player Nolan Wells as his family continues to seek answers about the circumstances surrounding his death earlier this month.

A memorial service for Wells is scheduled for July 20 at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center in Biloxi, Mississippi. The venue confirmed it is coordinating final details with the family after local reports indicated preparations were underway for the public service.

The funeral announcement comes as investigators continue reviewing the case and Wells’ family awaits the results of an independent autopsy they hope will provide additional answers beyond the state’s findings.

Independent Autopsy Still Pending

The family’s independent autopsy has been delayed after logistical issues transporting Wells’ body to Washington, D.C., where the examination is expected to take place.

Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who represents Wells’ parents, Christine and Elmore Wonsley, said the family requested the additional examination because they remain unconvinced by the initial conclusion that the teenager accidentally drowned.

Crump has also called for an independent investigation, saying the family wants every aspect of the case thoroughly reviewed.

Family Questions Official Findings

Authorities previously said the Mississippi State Medical Examiner determined Wells died from drowning and found no evidence of trauma or foul play.

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Department has likewise said investigators have uncovered no evidence suggesting a criminal act. However, officials stress the investigation remains active as detectives continue reviewing witness statements, digital evidence and new information received from the public.

Wells’ parents have said the official findings leave important questions unanswered.

During a recent press conference, Crump said the family has concerns about the investigation and believes an independent review is necessary to ensure complete transparency.

“The family has some concerns about the state of Mississippi doing an investigation of the death of a young Black man,” Crump said.

Timeline Under Continued Scrutiny

Investigators say Wells disappeared during a Fourth of July trip to Horn Island, a barrier island off Mississippi’s Gulf Coast.

According to authorities, the 19-year-old was last seen near the island’s northwest shoreline after arriving by boat with friends. Search crews recovered his body two days later following an extensive multi-agency search.

Jackson County Chancery Court Judge Ashlee Cole, whose son was among those on the trip, has said the group’s boat experienced mechanical problems and began taking on water before returning to the mainland. She said Wells chose to remain on the island with another group rather than return on the damaged boat.

One of Wells’ friends also told media outlets that Wells stayed behind after meeting a young woman earlier that day.

Those accounts have become part of the broader timeline investigators continue to examine.

Family Seeks Answers Before Case Closes

Wells’ father has described his son as an accomplished athlete and strong swimmer, saying the family struggles to reconcile the conclusion that he accidentally drowned.

Although authorities maintain there is no evidence of foul play, investigators have not formally closed the case.

The pending independent autopsy, along with toxicology testing and continued witness interviews, could provide additional information in the coming weeks as officials work to complete the investigation.