Nolan Wells autopsy: Missing throat tissue puts neck injury at center of Mississippi teen’s death investigation
An independent autopsy commissioned by the family of 18-year-old Nolan Wells found that the cause and manner of his death “have not yet been determined,” adding a new dimension to a case that has attracted national attention. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump shared the findings Wednesday at a news conference at the 117th NAACP National Convention in Chicago.
The report, written by forensic pathologist Dr. Roger Mitchell, said foul play could not be ruled out and raised questions that still need to be answered. Meanwhile, Mississippi’s official autopsy remains incomplete and authorities are awaiting toxicology results.
Nolan Wells’ autopsy results
according to Ben CrumpOn July 10, four days after Nolan Wells’ body was found on Horn Island, Mississippi, Dr. Roger Mitchell conducted an independent autopsy. The report did not determine how Wells died or whether he was conscious before entering the water. It also does not include toxicology results.
Reports indicate red discoloration on its back, Crump said. of wells head. He also claimed that during the second autopsy, some body parts were missing, preventing Mitchell from fully examining key organs. Parts of Wells’ throat also couldn’t be examined.
“Therefore, the pathologist cannot rule out neck injury as a cause of death,” Crump said, citing the report.
“This is just another piece of the puzzle, and while it tells us important information, we still have more questions than answers at this point,” Crump said.
The families of Ben Crump and Nolan Wells continue to search for answers
The Jackson County Coroner’s Office also performed an autopsy, but a final report has not yet been released because toxicology testing is still ongoing. Jackson County Coroner Bruce Lind told NBC News on Tuesday that the state’s report is not yet complete.
Nolan Wells’ mother, Christine Wells-Wansley, spoke of the family’s dismay before the new findings were released.
“There are a lot of people in the public asking all these questions, but the only question we have is what happened to our son,” she said.
She added: “We’re hoping the local authorities will do what they need to do because we’ve got the initial autopsy results and haven’t heard anything from them, which is heartbreaking and worrying. That’s why we’re here and why we’re asking for help.”
His father, Elmore Wansley, also said: “We want to know what happened to our son because what you’re telling us is not our son’s character. We know our son.”
What happened to Nolan Wells?
nolan wells He was last seen on July 4 when he traveled to Horn Island with friends for Independence Day celebrations. His friend told investigators they left early because their boat was taking on water, and Wells planned to return later with another group.
His mother reported him missing at midnight after he failed to return home. His body was discovered on July 6 by an American park ranger. While Crump disputed some details of how Wells was found, Brian Trascher of the U.S. Navy told NBC News that Wells was only wearing swimming trunks when his body was found, casting doubt on Crump’s account.
