An independent preliminary autopsy report for Nolan Wells states that his manner of death is undetermined, pending further investigation.
The independent autopsy began on July 10th with the preliminary autopsy completed on July 19th. Additional review and investigation are expected before final conclusions are reached.
The independent forensic pathologist who conducted the examination is Dr. Roger Mitchell, who was described as one of the most qualified experts available to review the case. Mitchell is a board-certified forensic pathologist and president of the National Medical Association, the oldest and largest organization of Black physicians in the United States.
Dr. Mitchell was not present at the press conference. Attorney Ben Crump read the findings from the preliminary report.
Key preliminary findings include:
• A focal area of red discoloration was observed on the back of Nolan’s head, in the occipital region.
• The report states that the anterior internal neck structures were absent and were not received with the body during the independent examination.
• Due to the advanced state of decomposition, the pathologist said it was not possible to determine whether certain marks on the body represented bruising.
The preliminary report also identified several unanswered questions, including what circumstances led to Wells entering the water, the position of his body when it was recovered, and whether water was present in his airway, to determine if he possible drown. Nolan was reportedly found face down and fully clothed when he was recovered by the Cajun Navy.
Dr. Mitchell also said further investigation is needed to determine whether Wells sustained injuries to the front of his neck or throat and whether there was evidence of a brain bleed.
According to Mitchell’s report, damage to the throat could not be ruled out as a cause or contributing factor in Wells’ death because the area had been removed during the initial autopsy.
The pathologist also noted the importance of examining Wells’ stomach contents and reviewing toxicology results. However, because the stomach and other organs had been removed before the independent autopsy, the examination of the stomach contents could not be conducted.
The Jackson County, Mississippi, coroner also performed an autopsy on Nolan Wells’ body and is awaiting the completion of a toxicology report from the medical examiner’s office.
According to the attorney, the independent pathologist said that, based on the condition of the body, foul play could not be ruled out, but no conclusion has been reached.
At the beginning of the press conference, Nolan’s mother, Christine Wells-Wonsley, said, “The only question we have is: What happened to our son?”
Christine also addressed criticism she has received, saying she has been subjected to racist slurs and questioned about the family’s GoFundMe campaign. She said her focus remains on finding the truth and that she does not have hate in her heart.
Nolan’s father, Elmore Wonsley, reflected on the loss of his son, saying, “Every day I wake up, it’s a new challenge.” He shared that Nolan “never met an enemy” and said his son should be at football practice at this time of year. He also mentioned that Nolan would’ve been sending him videos of his highlights and the plays he made if he was alive. “We just want honesty,” he said.
The announcement was made during the 117th NAACP National Convention in Chicago, where supporters gathered and chanted, “Justice for Nolan Wells.”
