Overview
- A family‑commissioned autopsy announced Wednesday, July 22, found Nolan Wells’ cause and manner of death to be “undetermined” and said foul play could not be ruled out.
- The independent pathologist reported red discoloration on the back of Wells’ head and noted that internal neck structures, including the trachea, were not available for review, so a neck injury could not be excluded.
- Decomposition and the fact that the state autopsy removed organs and neck tissues limited the independent review’s ability to check for water in the airway, stomach contents, brain bleed, or other markers that might confirm drowning or trauma.
- Jackson County and the Mississippi State Medical Examiner performed an earlier autopsy on July 7 and are still waiting on toxicology results while investigators continue an active probe with plans to present evidence to a grand jury.
- The family, represented by Ben Crump and backed by donors including Colin Kaepernick, has pushed for transparency as civil‑rights leaders offered a $125,000 reward and officials and the family prepare joint reviews of phone data and other evidence.