Nolan Wells Independent Autopsy Results Are Undetermined After Forensic Review

Independent Autopsy Results Remain Undetermined

The autopsy was performed by Dr. Roger Mitchell, a board-certified forensic pathologist and president of the National Medical Association. According to Crump, the independent review was limited by the condition of the remains, noting that the body had already undergone an initial autopsy by the state. Crump stated that because the state-run process had rightfully removed and dissected each organ, Dr. Mitchell was unable to directly observe the lungs for water intake or conduct a complete forensic review.

Findings and Forensic Limitations

The independent report highlighted specific areas of concern, including red discoloration on the back of Wells’ head. Additionally, the report noted that parts of the throat were missing when the body was received for the independent review. Consequently, Dr. Mitchell stated he could not rule out injury to the neck as a potential contributor to the death, nor could he definitively rule out foul play. The independent autopsy did not include a toxicology report.

Crump described the findings as inconclusive, emphasizing that the pathologist could not determine if Wells was conscious when he entered the water or explain how he ended up in the water. This pathologist cannot rule out if any intervening non-accidental factors contributed to or caused the death of Nolan Wells, Crump said.

For more on this story, see Nolan Wells Family Seeks Answers After Meeting With Mississippi Prosecutor.

Context of the July 4 Disappearance

Wells, a college football player who played wide receiver at Southwest Mississippi Community College, went missing during a Fourth of July boating trip with friends to Horn Island, located approximately 10 miles south of the Mississippi mainland. His body was recovered from the water on July 6 following a search by the U.S. Coast Guard, the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources, and the National Park Service.

Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter previously stated that initial interviews suggested Wells chose to remain on the island while his friends departed, believing he would secure transportation back on his own. Officials have noted that the friends are cooperating with the investigation. While local authorities have suggested drowning as a suspected cause of death, they have not yet released an official cause or manner of death.

This follows our earlier report, Nolan Wells’ Friend Debunks Viral Video Claiming He Was in Fatal Horn Island Fight.

Family Demands for Transparency

Wells’ parents, Christine Wonsley and Elmore Wonsley, have expressed frustration regarding the pace and scope of the official investigation. During Wednesday’s press conference, Christine Wonsley described the lack of information from local authorities as “heartbreaking” and “concerning.” The family has formally requested that local law enforcement share their findings from the state-run autopsy with Dr. Mitchell to assist in the independent inquiry.

The case has drawn significant national attention, with civil rights leaders, including the Rev. Al Sharpton, calling for a transparent review. A reward of $125,000—jointly funded by Al Sharpton, producer Tyler Perry, and former NFL player Terrell Owens—is being offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction in connection with the death.

According to Crump, the local prosecutor has agreed to present the results of the investigation to a grand jury once it is completed. The official state autopsy remains pending, as the Jackson County Coroner’s office is awaiting a toxicology report from the medical examiner.

Read also: US Black Leaders Offer Reward for Information in Death of Student Nolan (18).

For further information on this developing story, please refer to reports from Nbcnews, NPR, New York Daily News, AP News, and Abc7chicago.