Terrell Owens donated $25,000 to the reward fund seeking information in the death of 18-year-old Nolan Wells, bringing the total to $125,000 after $50,000 contributions from Rev. Al Sharpton and Tyler Perry. Wells disappeared from Horn Island during a Fourth of July gathering and was found dead two days later. Official and independent autopsies are pending as investigators review conflicting witness accounts. Attorney Benjamin Crump urged anyone with information to call 888-991-1772.
Terrell Owens Adds $25K to Nolan Wells Reward; Total Reaches $125K as Investigation Continues
(L-R) Terrell Owens and Nolan WellsCredit: Chris Haston/NBC via Getty; GoFundMe
Pro Football Hall of Famer Terrell Owens has contributed $25,000 to the reward fund seeking information that leads to an arrest and conviction in the death of 18-year-old Nolan Wells, attorney Benjamin Crump said in a July 21 news release. The donation brings the public reward pool to $125,000.
The total includes $50,000 gifts from civil rights leader Rev. Al Sharpton and filmmaker Tyler Perry. Sharpton announced his donation while delivering a eulogy at Wells' July 20 funeral at Center Pointe Church in Ocean Springs, Mississippi; Perry matched that contribution and helped cover memorial expenses.
Background: Wells, a college student and football player, disappeared from Horn Island, a barrier island off the Mississippi Gulf Coast, during a Fourth of July gathering. He was reported missing hours after going to the island with friends and was found dead two days later on the northwest end of the island.
Investigators say hundreds attended the gathering and that witness accounts about Wells' final hours vary. There are conflicting reports about whether Wells intended to stay behind after some members of his group left because of a problem with their boat. Wells' parents, Christine and Elmore Wonsley, have said it would be uncharacteristic for him to separate from the group—especially without his phone.
Both official and independent autopsies are pending. Authorities have said drowning is a possible explanation, but Wells' family has urged patience until investigators complete their work.
"We are deeply grateful to Terrell Owens, Rev. Al Sharpton, and Tyler Perry for standing with Nolan Wells' family in their pursuit of truth and justice," Benjamin Crump said. "We urge anyone with information, no matter how small it may seem, to come forward. This reward is for information that leads to an arrest and conviction because Nolan's family deserves the truth and those responsible must be held accountable."
How to help: Anyone with information relevant to the case is asked to call 888-991-1772. The reward is specifically for tips that lead to an arrest and conviction.
Reporting based on a Benjamin Crump news release and public statements from those involved; investigations and autopsy results are ongoing.
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