Pastor Jamal Bryant to Lead Prayer Rally for Deceased Student-Athlete Nolan Wells

Pastor Jamal Bryant of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church is scheduled to lead a national prayer rally in Biloxi, Mississippi, on Wednesday. The event, held at Greater St. John AME Church, coincides with what would have been the 19th birthday of Nolan Wells, an 18-year-old student-athlete who died following a Fourth of July boating trip. Bryant stated that the rally aims to support the family’s ongoing search for transparency and a thorough investigation into the circumstances of Wells' death.

Wells, a football player at Southwest Mississippi Community College, was last seen on Horn Island on July 4. After he failed to return to the mainland, his mother reported him missing, and his body was discovered on the island on July 6. While local authorities conducted a multi-agency search, the family continues to seek answers regarding his passing. In addition to the in-person rally, the National Action Network and the Rev. Al Sharpton are organizing a separate virtual prayer vigil to be held earlier the same day.