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Mourners gathered Monday for the funeral of 18-year-old Nolan Xavier Wells, whose body was found July 6 near Horn Island. He had gone to the barrier island with a friend group on the Fourth of July, and the death is under investigation.
Music is played during Nolan Xavier Wells’ funeral at Center Pointe Church in Ocean Springs on Monday, July 20, 2026. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi TodayChristine Wonsley, mother of Nolan Xavier Wells, leaves with her husband, Elmore Wonsley, left, and the Rev. Al Sharpton after her son’s funeral at Center Pointe Church in Ocean Springs on Monday, July 20, 2026. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi TodayNolan Xavier Wells’ casket is viewed during his funeral at Center Pointe Church in Ocean Springs on Monday, July 20, 2026. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi TodayFriends and family of Nolan Xavier Wells cry during his funeral at Center Pointe Church in Ocean Springs on Monday, July 20, 2026. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi TodayFriends and family attend Nolan Xavier Wells’ funeral at Center Pointe Church in Ocean Springs on Monday, July 20, 2026. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi TodayFormer NFL player Terrell Owens attends Nolan Xavier Wells’ funeral at Center Pointe Church in Ocean Springs on Monday, July 20, 2026. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi TodayFilmmaker Spike Lee attends Nolan Xavier Wells’ funeral at Center Pointe Church in Ocean Springs on Monday, July 20, 2026. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi TodayFriends and family of Nolan Xavier Wells cry during his funeral at Center Pointe Church in Ocean Springs on Monday, July 20, 2026. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi TodayThe Rev. Al Sharpton gives the eulogy during Nolan Xavier Wells’ funeral at Center Pointe Church in Ocean Springs on Monday, July 20, 2026. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi TodayA mourner raises his hand as the Rev. Al Sharpton speaks during Nolan Xavier Wells’ funeral at Center Pointe Church in Ocean Springs on Monday, July 20, 2026. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today
Nolan Xavier Wells’ casket is viewed during his funeral at Center Pointe Church in Ocean Springs on Monday, July 20, 2026. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi TodayFriends and family of Nolan Xavier Wells console each other during his funeral at Center Pointe Church in Ocean Springs on Monday, July 20, 2026. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi TodayNolan Xavier Wells’ casket is viewed during his funeral at Center Pointe Church in Ocean Springs on Monday, July 20, 2026. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi TodayFriends and family of Nolan Xavier Wells cry during his funeral at Center Pointe Church in Ocean Springs on Monday, July 20, 2026. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi TodayNolan Xavier Wells’ casket is viewed during his funeral at Center Pointe Church in Ocean Springs on Monday, July 20, 2026. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi TodayThe Rev. Al Sharpton gives the eulogy during Nolan Xavier Wells’ funeral at Center Pointe Church in Ocean Springs on Monday, July 20, 2026. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi TodayFriends and family of Nolan Xavier Wells cry during his funeral at Center Pointe Church in Ocean Springs on Monday, July 20, 2026. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi TodayChristine Wonsley, mother of Nolan Xavier Wells, is consoled by her husband, Elmore Wonsley, right, during a press conference after their son’s funeral at Center Pointe Church in Ocean Springs on Monday, July 20, 2026. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi TodayChristine Wonsley, mother of Nolan Xavier Wells, is consoled by her husband, Elmore Wonsley, right, during a press conference after their son’s funeral at Center Pointe Church in Ocean Springs on Monday, July 20, 2026. Credit: Eric Shelton/Mississippi Today
