Hollywood filmmaker Tyler Perry and former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick are providing financial support to the family of Nolan Wells, the 18-year-old Mississippi football player whose death after a Fourth of July boating trip continues to raise questions.

During a press conference led by civil rights attorney Ben Crump, it was announced that Tyler Perry will cover the costs of Nolan’s funeral, while Colin Kaepernick, through his nonprofit Know Your Rights Camp, will pay for an independent autopsy requested by the Wells family. The family has said they lack confidence in the current investigation and hopes an independent examination will provide additional answers.

Perry publicly expressed his sympathy for the Wells family, describing their grief as “debilitating” and urging that every effort be made to uncover the truth. Meanwhile, Kaepernick’s organization said it was committed to helping families seeking transparency and justice in difficult cases.

Nolan Wells disappeared during a boating trip to Horn Island, off the Mississippi Gulf Coast, over the Fourth of July weekend. According to authorities, he was reportedly left behind on the island after his friends departed by boat. After several days of searching, his body was recovered in the waters near the island.

The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources and local investigators have stated that there is currently no evidence of foul play. However, Ben Crump has challenged that conclusion, pointing to inconsistencies in witness statements and emphasizing that Nolan was known to be a strong swimmer. His parents have also rejected suggestions that their son voluntarily stayed behind when the group left the island.

To assist with funeral and memorial expenses, supporters established a GoFundMe campaign that has raised more than $120,000. Among those contributing was comedian Lil Rel Howery, who donated $1,000 while expressing hope that the Wells family receives the answers they deserve.

Several prominent civil rights leaders also attended Friday’s press conference, including Rev. Al Sharpton and filmmaker Spike Lee, who appeared alongside the family in support of their continued call for a thorough and transparent investigation.

As investigators continue reviewing evidence and witness accounts, Nolan’s family says their focus remains on uncovering exactly what happened during the final hours of the young athlete’s life.