Nolan Wells Preliminary Independent Autopsy Says Cause of Death is ‘Undetermined Pending Investigation’

At the NAACP national conference in Chicago on Wednesday, attorney Ben Crump announced the preliminary independent results from a private autopsy of 18-year-old Nolan Wells. Crump said the initial results from an independent pathologist found the cause of death as “undetermined pending investigation.”

The autopsy was conducted by Dr. Roger Mitchell, a forensic pathologist and president of the National Medical Association. Mitchell’s report found that Wells’ date of death was unknown. He conducted the autopsy on Friday, July 10, four days after Wells’ body was found on a barrier island off the coast of Mississippi. After the press conference, the United Cajun Navy, which was involved in the search for the teen, clarified that Wells was found wearing only a bathing suit.

Mitchell’s autopsy was the second autopsy conducted on Wells, and the independent examiner said he didn’t have all of the information available to determine cause of death because parts of Wells’ body were missing. Crump said this could be because parts were held back by the medical examiner in the first autopsy, which Mitchell explained was common while undergoing further testing. The first autopsy was conducted on July 7 by a state medical examiner in Mississippi.

Mitchell’s report said there were no fractures of deep tissue injuries identified, but he did find a “focal area of red discoloration in the soft tissue in the back of the head.” He could not determine if Wells was conscious or unconscious when he went into the water, and the toxicology results are still pending. Because of the lack of information, Crump said that foul play cannot be ruled out.

Over July 4 weekend, the story of Wells’ disappearance and death became national news after the college football player didn’t come home from a trip with friends to Horn Island, a barrier island off the coast of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, where Wells grew up. After days of searching, Wells’ body was found on Monday, July 6, not far from where he had been hanging out with his friends on Independence Day.

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Former NFL player and activist Colin Kaepernick helped fund the private autopsy which was done on behalf of Wells’ family. The Jackson County Sheriff’s department, along with the FBI, is conducting an investigation into Wells’ death. The state autopsy and toxicology reports have not yet been released. 

Wells’ mother Christine Wonsley spoke at the press conference, saying she is focused on finding out what happened to her son. “Any parent that would be in this situation, you would do anything, anything to find out what happened to your child, and that is what we’re here to do,” she said after Crump presented the autopsy findings.

On Monday, two days before the preliminary independent autopsy reports were announced, hundreds gathered at Center Pointe Church in Ocean Springs for Wells’ funeral. Movie producer Perry helped pay for the funeral expenses for the family. Wells’ family has also been collecting donations for their independent investigation via GoFundMe. 
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During his eulogy, Rev. Al Sharpton offered a $50,000 reward for anyone who brings a tip leading to an arrest or conviction in the case of Wells’ death. Actor and filmmaker Tyler Perry texted Sharpton during the funeral to announce he’d match the reward. Afterwards, it was announced that retired football player Terrell Owens was adding $25,000, bringing the total to $125,000. “He was not on that island by himself,” Sharpton said during his eulogy. “Somebody saw something or knows something.”

“Nolan had such a gentle, calming spirit about him. He had a way of making people feel seen, welcome, and valued. He could lift your confidence with just a few words and make you feel like you belonged,” Wells’ mother said at the funeral. “I ask that each of you keep Nolan’s memory alive. Hold him close in your hearts, share his stories, and never stop saying his name. As long as we continue to remember him, his light will continue to shine through us all. Nolan, we love you. We’ll continue to fight for you.”