Published • loading... • Updated
Nolan Wells' cause and manner of death 'undetermined,' state autopsy report finds
The family says the state report raises new questions after finding no water in Wells’ lungs and no clear evidence of drowning.
- On Wednesday, the family of Nolan Xavier Wells released a Mississippi State Medical Examiner autopsy report ruling his cause and manner of death "undetermined."
- Authorities previously concluded Nolan drowned following a July 4, 2026, trip to Horn Island, though a Jackson County grand jury's decision to clear friends remains disputed by his parents, Christine and Elmore Wonsley.
- Attorney Ben Crump stated findings raise questions, noting "subcutaneous scalp contusions" and a lack of fluid in lungs, while an independent autopsy documented a 12-by-8-inch area of "red discoloration."
- Digital records, including Snapchat and Instagram data, revealed messages allegedly deleted after Nolan died, causing his mother, Christine Wonsley, to state it is unlikely he "accidentally drowned in broad daylight."
- While the case remains closed, Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter noted the department welcomes the independent investigation and that it could be reopened if new, credible evidence emerges.
Insights by Ground AI
36 Articles
36 Articles
Lawyers for Nolan Wells’ family highlight cellphone data, autopsy report and push for investigation
In this photo taken with a smartphone, Ben Crump, right, an attorney for the family of Nolan Wells, speaks at a news conference in Stonecrest, Ga., Thursday, Sept. 22, 2026, accompanied by Wells' parents, Elmore and Christine Wonsley. (AP Photo/Emilie Megnien)(AP Photo/Emilie Megnien) JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Civil rights attorney Ben Crump released information from […]
Nolan Wells' family's legal team shares state autopsy report, Snapchat messages from phone
Snapchat conversations, a state autopsy report and context from a forensic analyst regarding the examination of a Mississippi teen's phone were shared in a news conference Thursday morning as the family continues to seek answers surrounding their son's death.
·New Orleans, United States
Read Full ArticleCoverage Details
Total News Sources36
Leaning Left9Leaning Right4Center19Last UpdatedBias Distribution59% Center
Bias Distribution
- 59% of the sources are Center
59% Center
L 28%
C 59%
13%
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
