Pastor Jamal Bryant and New Birth Missionary Baptist Church are facing mixed reactions after releasing 1,000 balloons in memory of Nolan Wells, the 19-year-old whose unexplained death continues to raise questions.

The tribute took place on Sunday, October 11, marking 100 days since Wells was last seen alive on July 4.

While many praised Bryant and his congregation for keeping attention on the case, others criticized the balloon release over concerns about its environmental impact.

Bryant shared footage of the memorial on Instagram, showing a large crowd gathered as 1,000 white balloons were released into the sky.

Attendees repeatedly chanted Nolan's name while the balloons floated above the gathering.

In his caption, Bryant explained that the event was intended to honor Wells and reaffirm the church's commitment to seeking answers about his death.

"A shut door doesn't mean a shut case!" Bryant wrote, encouraging supporters to continue saying Nolan's name.

The tribute came as Wells' family continues pushing for further investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.

Although the memorial received messages of appreciation, the decision to release balloons sparked considerable criticism online.

Several Instagram users argued that releasing large numbers of balloons into the atmosphere creates unnecessary environmental hazards, particularly for wildlife.

"Great intentions however the environmental litter that happens as a result releasing balloons into the air is not good," one commenter wrote.

Others suggested alternative memorial activities that would honor Wells without potentially harming animals or contributing to pollution.

The environmental concerns are supported by research showing that balloon debris can pose serious risks to wildlife, particularly seabirds that mistake discarded materials for food.

However, many supporters defended the intention behind the gathering and thanked Bryant for continuing to draw attention to Wells' case.

"We will never stop saying his name!" one Instagram user commented.

The divided response highlighted the difference between support for the memorial's message and criticism of how the tribute was carried out.

Wells was last seen alive on July 4 before his body was recovered near Horn Island.

Following his death, both an official autopsy and an independent examination were unable to determine his cause of death.

A grand jury subsequently concluded that there was insufficient evidence to pursue criminal charges.

Despite that decision, Wells' parents have continued questioning the circumstances surrounding their son's death and have called for a federal investigation.

The family maintains that significant questions remain unanswered.

Wells' mother, Christine Wonsley, has remained vocal about her determination to establish what happened to her son.

On October 10, she shared another message on social media asking, "WHAT REALLY HAPPENED TO NOLAN WELLS?"

Days earlier, Wonsley addressed critics who suggested she should accept the existing findings and move forward.

She emphasized that neither autopsy had established a definitive cause or manner of death and rejected the idea that her pursuit of answers should end.

"I WILL NOT stop," she wrote while thanking those who continue supporting her family.

Wonsley has not publicly commented on Bryant's balloon tribute, according to the original report.

More than three months after Wells was last seen alive, his family remains dissatisfied with the unanswered questions surrounding his death.

Although the grand jury declined to pursue criminal charges, the family continues advocating for additional investigative attention.

Bryant's memorial has brought renewed visibility to the case, even as the balloon release itself has generated controversy.

For Wells' parents, the cent