Independent Autopsy Finds Nolan Wells’ Death ‘Undetermined’ July 23

An independent autopsy of Nolan Wells, an 18-year-old Southwest Mississippi Community College football player, found his cause and manner of death were undetermined pending investigation, his family’s attorney Ben Crump announced Wednesday at the NAACP National Convention in Chicago. The pathologist could not rule out foul play. Wells disappeared July 4 after a boat trip to Horn Island and was found dead July 6 on the island’s northwestern shore.

What the independent autopsy found

Dr. Roger Mitchell, a board-certified forensic pathologist and president of the National Medical Association, performed the autopsy on July 10. His report found no fractures, deep tissue injuries, or skull fractures. However, Mitchell did identify red discoloration on the back of Wells’ head. The pathologist stated he could not determine whether Wells was conscious when he entered the water or how he ended up there. The report lacked a toxicology test.

Why the findings remain incomplete

The independent autopsy faced significant barriers. The Mississippi Medical Examiner’s Office retained parts of Wells’ body, including his trachea and hyoid bone, which are critical for drowning investigations. The initial state autopsy also removed part of Wells’ throat, limiting what the second pathologist could examine. Crump said the report had gaps because of missing body parts and incomplete procedures.

Family demands faster investigation

Wells’ mother, Christine Wells-Wonsley, expressed anger at the pace of the official investigation. She said local authorities appeared to conclude prematurely that her son’s death was accidental, and that this narrative has already damaged the case. Crump called the condition of Wells’ body before he entered the water the crux of the matter. The official state autopsy from Mississippi’s Medical Examiner’s office remains pending, according to Jackson County Coroner Bruce Lynd Jr.

What happens next

The state autopsy is still waiting on a toxicology report to be completed. Once finished, the official results will go to the local coroner. Crump said the independent findings are only part of the puzzle and raise more questions than answers. The case has drawn national attention, with the family pushing for a thorough and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Wells’ death.

Final Thoughts

The independent autopsy’s inconclusive findings intensify pressure on Mississippi authorities to complete their official investigation and release results. With the pathologist unable to rule out foul play and key evidence retained by state officials, the family’s push for transparency appears likely to continue.

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