Friend debunks pool-party rumor as Wells family prepares for funeral

An 18-year-old Nolan Wells disappeared during a July Fourth boat trip off Mississippi; his body was recovered two days later. A close friend debunked rumors that a viral pool-party photo showed Wells alive, clarifying the image was taken June 27 and that his friend group had planned the party before then. The family is pursuing a transparent investigation into his death, and Wells’ funeral is set for Monday at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum & Convention Center in Biloxi, reportedly funded by Tyler Perry and officiated by Rev. Al Sharpton, as they seek answers.