Photo: Getty Images
Rev. Al Sharpton urged one of the young men who was with Nolan Wells on Horn Island to “step forward” Wednesday (August 19) during a virtual prayer vigil marking what would have been Wells’ 19th birthday.
The National Action Network organized the virtual vigil to bring faith leaders together to pray for Wells’ family and for the truth about the 18-year-old’s death to come to light.
Wells was found dead near Horn Island, Mississippi, on July 6, two days after traveling to the island with three friends for a Fourth of July outing. Local law enforcement told Wells’ family there was no evidence of foul play, but the family and its legal team have continued to raise questions about how he died and what they say are inconsistencies in accounts from people who were with him.
“We are not accusing anyone of anything,” Sharpton said during the vigil. “We are not against anybody. Why is everyone against us? Why [are people] upset we want the truth?”
Sharpton said conflicting accounts surrounding what happened on the island “don’t smell right.” He also pushed back against criticism directed at the Wells family, including “attacks” from some of the friends and parents connected to the outing.
“Why are you getting angry when people are saying they want to know the truth?” he said, arguing that those involved should instead be saying, “we will help you find out the truth.”
Attorney Ben Crump also spoke about the attacks Wells’ mother, Christine Wonsley, has faced following her son’s death, including one-star reviews of her nursing business.
“Christine is an incredible nurse. The way they attacked her has been God-awful,” Crump said.
He also connected the Wells family’s grief to other Black families seeking answers after suspicious deaths.
“Black tears are just as painful as white tears,” Crump said. “Black pain is the same as white pain. Black heartbreak is the same as white heartbreak.”
Wonsley, who cried during portions of the vigil, asked people to continue praying for the family.
“Keep saying his story. Keep saying his name,” she said. “I know God is going to get us through.”
Elmore Wonsley said the day was particularly painful because Nolan should have been celebrating his birthday.
“He would have been in school today. He would have practiced. He would have called today,” he said.
During his closing remarks, Sharpton acknowledged that one of the boys who was with Nolan on Horn Island was on the call.
“If you have nothing to really be concerned about, then you should step forward,” Sharpton said. “So if you want to join in on what we’re seeking, you’re welcome. We don’t have to slip and slide here. We just want the truth about this young man who should be celebrating his birthday today.”
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