The family of 18-year-old Nolan Xavier Wells, a talented football player at Southwest Mississippi Community College, has shared the preliminary results of an independent autopsy that leaves both the cause and manner of his death officially undetermined while further examinations continue.

The findings, announced on July 22, 2026, by civil rights attorney Ben Crump, have renewed public interest in the case and prompted fresh calls for transparency as investigators continue working to determine what happened during the young athlete’s Fourth of July outing.

According to forensic pathologist Dr. Roger Mitchell, who conducted the independent examination on July 10 after the Mississippi state medical examiner completed the initial autopsy on July 7, several important factors prevented a definitive conclusion.

The report states that advanced decomposition made it difficult to identify possible bruising or other external injuries. It also notes that key structures from the neck and throat—including the trachea, laryngeal cartilage, thyroid horn, and hyoid bone—were retained by the state medical examiner for additional evaluation, a procedure that can occur during ongoing investigations. Toxicology testing was also still pending, while parts of the airway, lungs, and stomach could not be fully examined.

During a press conference at the NAACP National Convention in Chicago, Crump drew attention to what he described as a significant area of dark red discoloration in the deep soft tissue at the back of Wells’ head, measuring approximately 12 by 8 inches.

“We actually saw the picture of it. It’s significant—you can’t help but ask why this dark red area is there,” Crump said, urging investigators to examine the finding more closely.

Although no skull fractures or cuts to the skin were identified, Dr. Mitchell emphasized in his report that he could not rule out the possibility that non-accidental factors may have contributed to Nolan Wells’ death.

Wells disappeared on July 4 after a boating trip with friends to Horn Island along Mississippi’s Gulf Coast. After an extensive search, his body was recovered in nearby waters on July 6.

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office has repeatedly stated that investigators have found no evidence of foul play and that the investigation remains active.

However, Wells’ family continues to question several aspects of the case. His mother, Christine Wells-Wonsley, and father, Elmore Wonsley Sr., have pointed to Nolan’s reputation as a confident swimmer while raising concerns about reports of deleted Snapchat messages from his cellphone and an alleged argument involving members of the group shortly before he disappeared. One of the friends on the trip, Tracestin Shepherd, has publicly disputed portions of those accounts.

The case has attracted nationwide attention, with legal experts and media personalities, including Nancy Grace, closely following developments.

During Wells’ funeral on July 20 in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, which was paid for by actor and filmmaker Tyler Perry, his family delivered emotional tributes honoring the young athlete’s life.

“Your absence has left an emptiness that can never truly be filled,” his mother said. “A piece of our hearts will always be missing. Nolan, we love you.”

The memorial service was attended by several prominent figures, including Spike Lee and former NFL star Terrell Owens. Rev. Al Sharpton, who officiated the service, also announced a reward for information leading to an arrest or conviction. The reward began with $50,000 donated by Perry, was matched to $100,000, and later increased by an additional $25,000 from Owens, bringing the total reward to $125,000.

Following the release of the independent autopsy findings, Mississippi Department of Public Safety spokesperson Bailey C. Martin reiterated that the official investigation is still ongoing and declined to comment on the private report.

Under Mississippi procedures, the case is expected to be presented to a Jackson County grand jury as investigators continue reviewing evidence under the supervision of District Attorney Angel Myers McIlrath.

Meanwhile, Crump and Wells’ family continue to call for a complete and transparent investigation, saying they remain committed to uncovering exactly what happened.

As officials await the final autopsy findings, toxicology results, and additional witness information, Nolan Wells’ loved ones say they remain hopeful that the investigation will ultimately provide the answers they have been seeking.

Source: WWNY