Photo credit: Nolan well (Instagram)
The Nolan Wells independent autopsy did not identify the cause or manner of death for the 18-year-old. As a result, his family continues searching for answers weeks after authorities found him dead off the Mississippi coast.
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump joined Nolan’s parents, Christine and Elmore Wonsley, and NAACP President Derrick Johnson at the NAACP National Convention in Chicago on Wednesday.
During the event, they discussed the preliminary findings from the family’s independent examination.
According to the forensic report, investigators lacked enough evidence to determine exactly how Nolan died.
Independent autopsy finds no definitive cause of death
Forensic pathologist Dr. Roger A. Mitchell Jr. performed the independent autopsy.
After completing the examination, he concluded that he could not determine either the cause or manner of Nolan’s death.
The preliminary findings showed no fractures. The examination also found no deep tissue injuries across most of Nolan’s body.
Investigators identified a small area of discoloration on the back of his head for further review.
However, Dr. Mitchell said the finding does not explain how Nolan died.
Because of these findings, the examination did not produce a definitive conclusion.
Examination faced major challenges
Dr. Mitchell said several factors limited the examination.
According to the report, medical personnel removed several organs during the initial autopsy before Dr. Mitchell conducted his review.
The body had also undergone advanced decomposition before the independent examination began.
Dr. Mitchell said those conditions reduced the amount of available evidence.
As a result, he could not determine the exact cause or manner of death.
Nolan Wells disappeared during July 4 boat trip
Nolan disappeared during a July 4 boating trip with friends near Horn Island on Mississippi’s Gulf Coast.
Rescue teams searched for him for two days.
Authorities later recovered his body.
His disappearance and death attracted widespread public attention. Family members continue seeking information about what happened.
Colin Kaepernick helped fund the independent autopsy
Former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick funded the independent autopsy.
His support allowed the Wells family to obtain a separate forensic review.
Meanwhile, the Mississippi State Medical Examiner’s Office has not released its findings.
The family and its legal team continue to wait for those official results.
Family continues seeking answers
Ben Crump, Nolan’s parents, and Derrick Johnson shared the preliminary findings during the NAACP convention.
They urged the public to remain patient while experts review additional evidence.
At this point, investigators have not determined how Nolan died.
Many questions remain unanswered. The family continues to seek clarity about the events that led to the teenager’s death.
Source: Information based on statements from attorney Ben Crump, the Wells family, and preliminary findings from the independent autopsy presented during the NAACP National Convention.
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