Nolan Wells’ preliminary autopsy results reveal 7 unanswered questions after teen vanished on trip with friends

The independent autopsy of Nolan Wells is sparking even more questions after the preliminary findings were released Wednesday — though the NAACP head conceded that the teen’s tragic death may have been an accident.

Wells’ parents had flown their 18-year-old son’s body over 800 miles to Washington, DC, for an independent autopsy following an initial autopsy in Mississippi, where he was last seen alive during a Fourth of July trip to Horn Island with friends.

The college football player — who was found ᴅᴇᴀᴅ on July 6, two days after he vanished — had a 12-by-8-inch red discoloration to the back of his head, according to the autopsy performed by Dr. Roger Mitchell, President of the National Medical ᴀssociation.

Attorney Ben Crump speaking at a press conference with the family of Nolan Xavier Wells.
Attorney Ben Crump announced the findings of an independent autopsy on Nolan Wells’ body Wednesday.
Attorney Ben Crump and Nolan Xavier Wells' family at an NAACP press conference.
Wells’ heartbroken parents, Christine and Elmore Wonsley, spoke at Wednesday’s press conference.
Illustration of Nolan Xavier Wells clarification diagram, detailing discoloration of soft tissue on the back of the head and skull.
The autopsy was performed by Dr. Roger Mitchell, President of the National Medical ᴀssociation.RAM Consulting LLC

However, his cause and manner of death were given as undetermined pending investigation, with the date of death also unknown.

The forensic pathologist said he cannot rule out damage to the throat as being a cause or contributory factor to Wells’ death, because it had been removed during the initial autopsy.

Famed civil rights attorney Ben Crump announced the findings as Wells’ heartbroken parents, Christine and Elmore Wonsley, listened on from the press conference crowd.

Nolan Wells, a young man with dark, curly hair, wears a grey "SEASIDE" t-shirt, standing on a running track with a brick building in the background.
Nolan Wells’ preliminary autopsy findings have been released.Facebook/Christine Wonsley

Crump also claimed that Wells’ body was found face down and fully clothed, despite pH๏τos from the day showing him shirtless, wearing swimming trunks.

The pathologist also highlighted seven unanswered questions in his autopsy report.

These include: what were the circumstances that led to Wells entering the water, what position was the body in when found, and was there any water in the airway, which would indicate drowning.

Nolan Wells, second from right, with friends during July 4 celebrations.
Wells (second from right) vanished after a boating trip on Fourth of July.Facebook/Christine Wonsley

The pathologist added that he still wants to know if there is any evidence of injuries to the front of the neck or throat, or evidence of a brain bleed.

Finally, the pathologist highlighted the need to discover the composition of Wells’ stomach contents and the toxicology report findings.

Despite the unanswered questions, the NAACP conceded that it couldn’t rule out that Wells’ death may have been an accident.

Illustration showing a front and back outline of a human head and neck, with detailed diagrams of the neck structures from a side and front view.
The autopsy’s preliminary findings were released on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.RAM Consulting LLC

“If it truly was an accident, they have the resources available to help them navigate the situation,” NAACP President Derrick Johnson told the press conference.

Police have said nothing points to foul play, at least yet, and they suspect Wells likely drowned after his friends left the island without him.

The teen’s body was positively identified on July 7 using dental records.

Jackson County Coroner Bruce Lynd Jr. told The Post at the time that results from the official post-mortem could take weeks while they await the results from toxicology tests.

A framed portrait of Nolan Wells in a tuxedo next to a white sports jersey with the number 16.
Nolan Wells’ cause and manner of death were given as undetermined, pending investigation.Christopher Oquendo for NY Post

Crump previously told ex-CNN star Don Lemon the second autopsy would reveal if Wells had “any physical injuries to his body beyond drowning.”

Wells was laid to rest in a closed casket Monday at a packed hometown funeral exactly two weeks after his body was found in the water just off the barrier island.

“We will miss everything about him and his quiet nature, the corny jokes, his gentle smile and the way he made everyone around feel loved, comfortable and at ease,” Christine Wonsley told mourners through tears.