Nolan Wells Death · Developing story · 2 reports

Independent autopsy on Nolan Wells finds cause and manner of death undetermined

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Independent autopsy on Nolan Wells finds cause and manner of death undetermined

Jul 22, 2026

The AP segment reports on the independent autopsy commissioned by the family of 18-year-old Nolan Wells, who was found dead on Horn Island, Mississippi, after a July 4 boat trip. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump announced preliminary findings at a Chicago press briefing, noting red discoloration on the back of the head but no fractures or lacerations, and that decomposition prevented ruling out foul play. The Mississippi State Medical Examiner's autopsy results remain unreleased. Friends who were with Wells cooperated with the ongoing Jackson County Sheriff's investigation, believing he had secured another ride back.

▶ Source: Associated Press

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Ben Crump reads Dr. Roger Mitchell preliminary autopsy on Nolan Wells

Jul 22, 2026

CBS News segment features attorney Ben Crump presenting Dr. Roger Mitchell's July 19, 2026 preliminary report from a second autopsy performed July 10 on 18-year-old Nolan Xavier Wells. The report concludes cause and manner of death are undetermined pending further investigation due to decomposition, absent anterior neck structures, and inability to observe key organs or circumstances of water entry. Crump highlights findings including red discoloration in the back of the head without fractures or lacerations, extensive additional dissections ruling out fractures or deep injuries, and seven outstanding questions such as body position when found, water in airways, neck injuries, and toxicology. The segment notes the family seeks review of the original Mississippi autopsy materials and toxicology results.

▶ Source: CBS News