Independent autopsy on Nolan Wells lists cause of death as undetermined
A privately commissioned autopsy of 18-year-old Nolan Wells could not determine the cause or manner of his death, and investigators are awaiting further toxicology results.
A forensic pathologist hired by the family of Nolan Wells released a preliminary report stating that the cause and manner of the teenager's death remain "undetermined" pending further investigation. The report, presented by civil-rights attorney Ben Crump at the NAACP National Convention, noted red discoloration on the back of Wells' head and the absence of certain throat tissues, but did not include toxicology findings.
Dr. Roger Mitchell, a board-certified forensic pathologist and president of the National Medical Association, performed the autopsy on July 10, six days after Wells disappeared and four days after his body was recovered on Horn Island. Mitchell could not ascertain whether Wells was conscious when he entered the water, nor could he confirm bruising due to the body's level of decomposition. The report indicated no lacerations or fractures.
The Jackson County coroner also conducted an autopsy, but its results have not been released while the state awaits a toxicology report from the medical examiner’s office. Local officials have not ruled out drowning, a conclusion the family and Crump have contested, citing Wells' athletic background and swimming ability.
Wells' parents, Christine Wells-Wonsley and Elmore Wonsley, expressed frustration over the lack of information from authorities and urged a transparent investigation. Civil-rights leader Rev. Al Sharpton, former NFL player Terrell Owens and producer Tyler Perry announced a $125,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction.
Wells was buried on Monday in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, after a funeral service attended by family, friends and teammates.