Nolan Wells’ independent autopsy leaves cause of death undetermined as investigation into the Mississippi teenager's mysterious disappearance continues.

An independent autopsy of Nolan Wells, an 18-year-old football player, has resulted in an "undetermined" cause and manner of death pending further investigation. The report, released by forensic pathologist Dr. Roger A. Mitchell Jr., noted a red discoloration on the back of the teenager's head but could not definitively confirm if the mark was caused by trauma or decomposition. Nolan Wells went missing on July 4 while on a boat trip to Horn Island with friends. While local officials initially suggested an accidental drowning, the family’s attorney, Ben Crump, commissioned the independent autopsy because the initial findings did not seem to "add up." The report noted that because the state had already dissected several organs, Dr. Roger A. Mitchell Jr. could not directly observe the lungs or stomach contents. Despite some accusations from the NAACP that local officials have been derelict in their duties, Mississippi state Senator Jeremy England defended the integrity of the investigation. The official state autopsy remains sealed until a grand jury reviews the evidence.

Sources