Nolan Wells Update: Al Sharpton Offers $50K Reward for Answers, Says Tyler Perry Will Match

Rev. Al Sharpton is joining the fight for answers in Nolan Wells‘ death.

While at Wells’ funeral on Monday, July 20, Sharpton, 71, offered a $50,000 reward for information that leads to an “arrest and a conviction” in the 18-year-old’s case, saying he and the National Action Network are putting up the money in hopes of finding out what happened during the teen’s 4th of July trip to Mississippi’s Horn Island.

“He was not on that island by himself,” Sharpton told funeral attendees at Center Pointe Church in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, which was livestreamed on The Grio‘s YouTube channel. “Somebody saw something and knows something.”

Tyler Perry is also stepping up, Sharpton revealed, saying the filmmaker texted him to match the $50,000 reward, continuing his support for Wells’ family after previously covering the teen’s funeral expenses.

Sharpton also urged anyone with information to contact attorney Benjamin Crump‘s office, which represents Wells’ family.

Pushing back against critics who accused both him and Crump, 54, of exploiting the tragedy, Sharpton said his pledge proves that he “didn’t come to make money, I came to give money.”

As Globe previously reported, Wells disappeared during a 4th of July boating trip to Mississippi’s Horn Island. His body was found in the water two days later following an extensive search. While authorities have said they believe he drowned and have not found evidence of a crime, Wells’ family continues to question the circumstances surrounding his death and is pursuing an independent investigation.

Wells’ parents, Christine and Elmore Wonsley, also addressed the congregation, pledging their continued fight for answers related to their son’s death.

“Nolan, we love you [and] we’ll continue to fight for you,” his mother, Christine, said, per People. “Nolan had such a gentle, calming spirit about him. He had a way of making people feel seen, welcome, and valued. He could lift your confidence with just a few words and make you feel like you belonged.”

“If you ever had the privilege of meeting our son Nolan or calling him a friend, then you experienced a glimpse of God’s love through him,” she continued.

“We will miss everything about him, from his quiet nature to the corny jokes, his gentle smile, the way he made everyone around him feel comfortable. … Your absence has left an emptiness that can never truly be filled. A piece of our hearts will always be missing,” Christine added.

Elmore, meanwhile, described Wells as a gifted student-athlete, choking up as he recalled nicknaming his son “Mr. Cool Hands” for his ability to score touchdowns and for being a supportive big brother to his siblings.

“Nolan meant a lot to a lot of people, and today it just shows us how much he meant to the community, to the country and to the world,” Elmore said.