Nolan Wells funeral will not be held at convention center. Here’s what we know
Despite officials with the Mississippi Coast Convention Center agreeing to host the funeral services of 18-year-old Nolan Xavier Wells, another venue will be used, according to Sam Voisin, executive director of the Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center.
“After meeting with representatives of the Wells family, we support their decision not to hold Nolan Wells’ funeral services at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum & Convention Center, Monday July 20, as previously discussed,” Voisin said. “We appreciate the opportunity to have worked with the family during this process and remain committed to supporting them and our community during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family as they continue making arrangements to celebrate his life.”
Christine Wonsley, the mother of the beloved Ocean Springs teen, said that “all official information regarding Nolan’s funeral and repass will be posted on my social and via press release from my legal team. There are not enough thank you’s we can say for all the outpouring of love and concern. We truly appreciate the support.”
The coliseum and convention center commission’s board unanimously supported holding the event. Six members met Monday on Zoom with Voisin, the commission’s attorney and Michelle Menningmann, the assistant executive director. Commission member Anthony Del Vescovo was absent.
Tabari Daniels, commission president, thanked his fellow members for meeting on short notice Monday and said:
“I have a little bit of passion behind this, I guess, and it almost just feels like this is something that needs to be done. That’s why I kind of wanted to have us on, but thank you so much for being empathetic in this regard.”
This story was originally published July 14, 2026 at 5:48 PM.
