Who was Nolan Wells? What did independent autopsy reveal about the 18-year-old's death?

An independent autopsy commissioned by the family of 18-year-old Nolan Xavier Wells has determined that the cause and manner of his death remain "undetermined" pending further investigation, according to an AP report.

Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who is representing the Wells family, announced the preliminary findings on Wednesday at the annual NAACP National Convention in Chicago. The report was prepared by forensic pathologist Dr. Robert Mitchell.

Autopsy finds no fractures or bruising, foul play not ruled out

According to Crump, the independent examination found no evidence of fractures or bruising but did not eliminate the possibility of foul play.


The forensic pathologist identified "red discoloration" in the soft tissue at the back of Wells' head but found no skull fractures or skin lacerations in the area. Crump said decomposition of the body and other limitations prevented the pathologist from reaching a final conclusion.

The report stated that without additional information, the pathologist "cannot rule out if any intervening nonaccidental factors contributed to or caused the death of Nolan Wells."

Family-led investigation continues after teenager's death

The second autopsy is part of an independent investigation led by Crump into the circumstances surrounding Wells' disappearance after a July 4 boat trip with friends to an island off the Mississippi coast.

Wells did not return to the mainland with his friends, and his body was found floating near the island's coast two days later. The Mississippi State Medical Examiner's Office conducted its own autopsy, but the results have not yet been released.

The family-commissioned autopsy was funded by former NFL player Colin Kaepernick and did not include a toxicology report.

Crump said the findings provided important information but added that "we still have more questions than we have answers at this time."

Calls for transparency grow amid public speculation

The circumstances surrounding Wells' death have led to widespread online speculation and calls from Black leaders for greater transparency from authorities.

Wells, who was Black, had travelled to the island with a group of high school friends, all of whom are white.

A $125,000 reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction in connection with his death. The reward is jointly funded by Rev. Al Sharpton, actor and producer Tyler Perry, and former NFL player Terrell Owens.

Officials continue investigation into Wells' death

The autopsy announcement came two days after Wells was buried in his hometown of Ocean Springs, Mississippi.

During the eulogy, Sharpton raised concerns over what he described as "inconsistencies and unanswered questions" surrounding the case. He questioned why Wells' friends left him behind, took his phone and keys, and did not report him missing immediately.

Sharpton also questioned statements from local investigators suggesting that no crime was suspected before the investigation was complete.

Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter said initial interviews indicated Wells chose to remain on the island and that his friends believed he would get a ride back with someone else. He said the friends were cooperating with the ongoing investigation.

Crump said the family would continue seeking answers while working with authorities, but expressed concerns over delays in investigations.