Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Family Demands Investigation; Sharpton to Lead Nolan Wells Funeral

7/12/2026

50 8 Full Breakdown

Center

Sharpton Officiates

Family and civil-rights leaders are pressing for a full, transparent investigation, citing possible racial factors.
Nolan Xavier Wells, 18, was found dead on Horn Island, Mississippi disappearing on a July 4 boat trip, with cause unreleased.
Rev. Al Sharpton will officiate the funeral and actor Tyler Perry is covering funeral expenses.
Sheriff John Ledbetter said investigators do not suspect foul play and requested island photos.

Left

Perry Funds

A GoFundMe campaign for Nolan Wells has raised over $220,000 so far.
Nolan Wells was found dead, with Mississippi officials currently saying no foul play is suspected and keeping the case open.
Rev. Al Sharpton will officiate the funeral while actor Tyler Perry is covering funeral expenses.
Ben Crump leads an independent investigation, with Colin Kaepernick funding the Washington, D.C. autopsy.

Blindspot

Blindspot

Center coverage emphasized the case’s link to Mississippi’s historic racial tensions, citing statements from State Senate Minority Leader Derrick Simmons and Black Caucus vice-chair Rod Hickman, while Left coverage gave less weight to that angle.
Center coverage highlighted the family’s demand for a full, transparent investigation and the possibility of racial motives, which is not reflected in the Left summary.

1 of 3

Sharpton Officiates

Family and civil-rights leaders are pressing for a full, transparent investigation, citing possible racial factors.
Nolan Xavier Wells, 18, was found dead on Horn Island, Mississippi disappearing on a July 4 boat trip, with cause unreleased.
Rev. Al Sharpton will officiate the funeral and actor Tyler Perry is covering funeral expenses.
Sheriff John Ledbetter said investigators do not suspect foul play and requested island photos.

1 / 3