SUMMARY
- An independent autopsy found Nolan Wells’ cause and manner of death remain undetermined.
- Final findings are pending additional examination, while Mississippi’s official autopsy results have not been released.
- Authorities continue investigating the circumstances surrounding Wells’ disappearance and death.
The preliminary findings of an independent autopsy have not determined the cause or manner of death for 18 year old Nolan Wells, whose body was recovered along the shoreline of Horn Island off Mississippi’s Gulf Coast on July 6.
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, representing Wells’ family, announced Wednesday that the independent forensic review classified the manner of death as undetermined pending further investigation.
The examination was conducted by board certified forensic pathologist Dr. Roger Mitchell after Wells’ family requested a second autopsy.
The independent review is separate from the official autopsy performed by the Mississippi State Medical Examiner’s Office on July 7. State officials have not released those findings because standard toxicology testing remains ongoing.
According to Crump, the second examination cannot reach a final conclusion until additional evidence is reviewed.
He said Wells’ throat was retained by the Mississippi State Medical Examiner’s Office for further examination before the body was released, preventing Dr. Mitchell from completing a final report. Crump also said preliminary findings noted significant discoloration in tissue at the back of Wells’ head. He emphasized that foul play has not been ruled out.
Wells disappeared after traveling with friends on a Fourth of July boating trip to Horn Island, an uninhabited federally protected island that authorities said was crowded with holiday visitors. His body was discovered floating offshore two days later.
The case has drawn national attention after photographs from the trip showed Wells, who was Black, with a group of White friends.
The circumstances surrounding his disappearance prompted widespread public discussion and calls for greater transparency from investigators.
Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter has said initial interviews indicated Wells chose to remain on the island while his friends believed he would return with someone else. Authorities have said the friends are cooperating with the ongoing investigation.
During a news conference at the NAACP National Convention in Chicago, Crump announced the preliminary findings of the independent autopsy.
He also said the examination was privately funded by former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick.
Separately, a $125,000 reward funded by the Rev. Al Sharpton, Tyler Perry and former NFL player Terrell Owens is being offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction connected to Wells’ death.
With both the independent and official investigations still underway, key questions surrounding Wells’ death remain unanswered.
The pending forensic results are expected to play an important role in determining how investigators proceed.
The independent autopsy neither confirms nor excludes foul play, highlighting the importance of awaiting complete forensic findings before drawing conclusions.
At the same time, community leaders and Wells’ family continue calling for transparency as the investigation moves forward.
Officials have not announced any criminal charges, and investigators continue gathering evidence. The official autopsy and toxicology findings from the Mississippi State Medical Examiner’s Office remain pending.
TABLE
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Victim | Nolan Wells, 18 |
| Body Found | July 6 |
| Official Autopsy | July 7 |
| Location | Horn Island, Mississippi |
| Independent Pathologist | Dr. Roger Mitchell |
| Family Attorney | Ben Crump |
| Investigation Status | Ongoing |
| Reward Offered | $125,000 |
Ben Crump said the independent examination remains incomplete and that foul play cannot yet be excluded. Rev. Al Sharpton also questioned unanswered aspects of the case during Wells’ funeral, while urging a thorough investigation.
Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter has maintained that the investigation remains active and said Wells’ friends have cooperated with authorities.
Investigators are awaiting the results of the official autopsy, including toxicology testing. Dr. Mitchell’s final independent report is also pending additional examination before definitive findings can be released.
Why is the Nolan Wells autopsy still inconclusive?
The independent pathologist said a final determination cannot be made because additional examination is required. The Mississippi State Medical Examiner’s Office also has not released its official findings while toxicology testing continues.
Was foul play ruled out in Nolan Wells’ death?
No. According to attorney Ben Crump, the preliminary independent autopsy does not rule out foul play. The cause and manner of death remain officially undetermined pending further investigation.
What is investigators’ next step?
Authorities are continuing their investigation while awaiting the official autopsy and toxicology results. The independent forensic report will also be completed after additional examination.
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