Nolan Wells remembered at memorial as community demands truth about his death

The 18-year-old was found dead after a 4 July boat trip with his friends to an island in the Gulf coast

Family and supporters of Nolan Xavier Wells gathered in a Mississippi church on Monday to mourn and celebrate the 18-year-old, whose death following a 4 July boat trip with friends has captured national attention and prompted calls for an independent investigation.

The ceremony began with tearful remarks from Wells's parents, who described their son as a warm and gentle presence, a gifted athlete and a role model to his younger siblings.