Nolan Wells’ independent autopsy says death ‘undetermined pending investigation’
An independent autopsy preliminary found: Mississippi teenager Nolan WellsWhile the investigation into the 18-year-old’s death continues, the cause and manner of death are “undetermined at the investigative stage,” family attorney Ben Crump said Wednesday.
Wells’ parents, Christine and Elmore Wonsley, We were desperate for answers. and sent the teenager’s body to Washington, D.C., for an independent autopsy.
Courtesy of the Wells Family – PHOTO: Undated photo of 18-year-old Nolan Xavier Wells, whose body is believed to have been found after going missing on July 4, 2026.
Nolan Wells’ funeral: ‘We’ll miss everything about him,’ mom says as death investigation continues
The official autopsy report from the State Medical Examiner’s Office in Mississippi is still pending, according to Jackson County Coroner Bruce Lynd Jr. Once completed, the report will be presented to the local coroner.
“It really breaks your heart to lose a child,” Christine Wonsley said at Wednesday’s news conference. “This is a pain you can’t measure. Especially someone like Nolan, who brings joy, light and life to everyone.”
“Our only question is what happened to our son?” he said.
Family via AP – PHOTO: This undated photo provided by family shows Nolan Xavier Wells with his mother, Christine Wonsley.
Wells went missing after going on a July 4th excursion. boat tour with friends To Horn Island, according to officials. Wells appeared to have remained on the island after his friends left, authorities said.
The college football player’s body was found on July 6, and authorities said they suspected Wells had drowned. Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter initially said there was no indication of a crime but emphasized that investigators were “working diligently to determine exactly what happened.”
Ocean Springs School District – PHOTO: Nolan Wells in his football jersey during the 2024 summer/fall season at Ocean Springs High School, where he is a senior.
Nolan Wells’ family had ‘respectful’ meeting with prosecutor
“Nolan Wells’ family deserves a thorough, fact-based investigation, and that’s exactly what they’re going to get,” he told ABC News last week.
Ledbetter also said the sheriff’s office welcomes the family’s independent investigation.
On: Wells’ funeral in his hometown of Ocean Springs On Monday, his mother said his family and friends “will miss everything about him.”
This is an evolving story. Please check back for updates.
ABC News’ Sabina Ghebremedhin contributed to this report.
