An independent autopsy conducted on Nolan Wells, the 18-year-old whose death has drawn national attention, has not determined a definitive cause of death, according to attorney Benjamin Crump, who represents the Wells family.
Speaking at a press conference during an NAACP gathering in Chicago, Crump said the preliminary findings remain inconclusive and that additional investigation is necessary before any conclusions can be reached.
Independent Examination Remains Inconclusive
The independent autopsy was performed by forensic pathologist Dr. Roger Mitchell.
According to Crump, the condition of Wells’ body limited the ability to conduct a complete forensic examination.
“The findings are inconclusive pending further investigation,” Crump said, adding that the examination did not identify a clear cause of death.
He also stated that while the autopsy found no evidence of foul play, it could not rule out whether other non-accidental factors may have contributed to Wells’ death.
Family Continues to Seek Answers
During the press conference, Wells’ mother, Christine Wells-Wonsley, expressed frustration over what she described as the slow pace of the investigation.
“The only question we have is, ‘What happened to our son?'” she said.
She urged local authorities to continue pursuing all available investigative leads and voiced concern that many people have prematurely assumed the death was accidental before official findings have been released.
Investigation Remains Active
Nolan Wells was reported missing after attending a Fourth of July gathering near Horn Island, located off the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
His body was discovered two days later.
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office has stated that the investigation remains active and that detectives continue gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing all available information.
Officials have not released an official cause or manner of death.
Official Autopsy Still Pending
Authorities are awaiting the results of the official state autopsy, which is expected to provide additional forensic information.
Investigators have emphasized that no final conclusions will be made until all evidence, laboratory testing, and medical findings have been fully evaluated.
Family Calls for Transparency
The Wells family says they hope investigators will provide greater transparency as the case moves forward.
Their legal team maintains that the independent autopsy should not be interpreted as confirming either an accidental death or criminal activity, but rather as evidence that further investigation remains necessary.
Investigation Continues
With the official autopsy still pending and law enforcement continuing its investigation, many questions surrounding Nolan Wells’ death remain unanswered.
Authorities have asked anyone with information related to the events surrounding his disappearance or death to contact investigators as they continue working to determine exactly what happened.
