The family of 18-year-old Nolan Wells is still waiting for answers after his body was found on a barrier island off the Mississippi Gulf Coast more than two weeks ago. According to E! News, Wells had been spending the Fourth of July with friends on Horn Island when he disappeared.
On July 22, attorney Ben Crump released findings from an independent autopsy conducted by pathologist Dr. Roger Mitchell. The report listed both the cause and manner of death as undetermined pending investigation, and Mitchell said he could not rule out or confirm foul play.
Crump said the report provides only part of the picture and argued that more questions remain. Wells’ mother, Christine Wells-Wonsley, has also said the family wants to know what happened and why he did not come home.
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office has said it does not suspect foul play and believes Wells drowned, while continuing to investigate the circumstances of his death. Officials have asked for witness statements, photos and videos from the island, and the family says they want a thorough and transparent investigation.
Wells was a multi-sport athlete at Ocean Springs High School and had played wide receiver at Southwest Mississippi Community College. His funeral was held July 20 in Ocean Springs, where hundreds gathered to honor him.
