Independent Autopsy Results for Nolan Wells’ Death

Attorney Ben Crump shared that the independent autopsy concerning Nolan Wells’ death returned “inconclusive” results. A former medical examiner indicated the findings didn’t suggest any “cover-up” or foul play.

During the NAACP National Convention in Chicago, Crump revealed the autopsy results, noting “red discoloration” on Wells’ head. Dr. Roger Mitchell, who conducted the autopsy, stated that no conclusions could be made “until further investigation is completed.” The official autopsy has still not been finalized.

“Why is the back of his head dark red?” Crump questioned. “This pathologist cannot rule out the possibility that some non-random factor contributed to or caused Nolan Wells’ death.”

Dr. Michael Baden, a forensic pathologist, responded to inquiries about the case. He asserted that the head injury doesn’t imply foul play, suggesting it could have been caused by hitting something in the water. “There’s a lot of debris in the water,” he explained. Depending on certain factors, the impact could have occurred either before or after death.

Mr. Baden remarked that Mr. Mitchell may have been “reaching for straws” in his report, asserting that the findings align with local police reports that classify Wells’ death as an accident without any suspicion of criminal activity.

Nolan Wells’ Disappearance and Discovery

Nolan Wells, aged 18, went missing following a boating trip with friends on July 4. They had gone to Horn Island, a barrier island off Mississippi’s Gulf Coast. After a two-day search, on July 6, his body was found by National Park Service rangers on the island’s northwest tip.

Authorities are still looking into the case but have yet to disclose the official cause of death.