Nolan Xavier Wells' family receives preliminary independent autopsy results as questions remain regarding the teenager's death on Horn Island.

An independent autopsy commissioned by the legal team of Nolan Xavier Wells found the cause and manner of the teenager's death to be "undetermined." The report, performed by Dr. Roger Mitchell, revealed red discoloration on the back of the athlete's head but noted gaps due to missing body parts and incomplete procedures. The findings were revealed by attorney Ben Crump during the 117th NAACP National Convention. While the state's official autopsy remains unreleased, Crump noted that the independent review could not rule out foul play. The investigation centers on how the 18-year-old football player ended up in the water after a July 4 boat trip. The family has rejected early theories that Wells simply drowned, noting he was a strong swimmer. To aid the investigation, Rev. Al Sharpton, Tyler Perry, and Terrell Owens have offered a combined $125,000 reward for information leading to an arrest. The community continues to seek clarity on why Wells' friends remained on the mainland while he stayed on the island.

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