The unexplained death of 18-year-old Nolan Wells continues to raise more questions than answers, as new details surface about the hours leading up to his disappearance on a remote Mississippi barrier island.

On the Fourth of July weekend, Wells joined friends for a boat trip to Horn Island. What began as a holiday outing ended in tragedy when the teen vanished. An intensive multi-agency search followed, and on July 6 his body was recovered from the water near the island’s shoreline. Nearly a month later, investigators have still not publicly determined how he died.

A previously undisclosed email obtained by reporters has now added a new layer to the case. Sent on July 5 by the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources Marine Patrol to the U.S. Coast Guard while the search was still underway, the message listed Wells’ physical description, last known location, and a brief note: “Alcohol intake: Heavy.” The document does not identify who provided that information or how it was verified.

Authorities have not released an official cause or manner of death. Results from the Mississippi State Medical Examiner’s autopsy and toxicology tests remain pending. In the meantime, the Wells family commissioned an independent autopsy. Dr. Roger Mitchell, who conducted the private examination, concluded that both the cause and manner of death were “undetermined pending investigation.” During a news conference, civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who is representing the family, noted an area of red discoloration found on the back of Wells’ head.

Television host Nancy Grace later discussed the private autopsy findings on her program, drawing attention to what she described as deep red subcutaneous tissue on the occipital bone and the fact that the independent pathologist did not receive Wells’ lungs or throat for examination. Grace stressed that many accidental explanations remain possible and that she could not determine the cause of death.

Jackson County officials have defended their handling of the investigation, saying they are following standard procedures and waiting for complete forensic results before drawing conclusions. No announcement has been made about whether foul play is suspected. The sheriff’s office continues to ask anyone who was on or near Horn Island on July 4 to come forward with original pH๏τos, videos, or any information about interactions involving Wells.

As the official inquiry moves forward and toxicology results are still awaited, the newly revealed email about heavy alcohol consumption has become the latest piece of information adding complexity to an already puzzling case.

Source: https://www.foxnews.com/us/nolan-wells-mystery-deepens-email-indicates-teen-drank-heavily-before-vanishing