An independent autopsy commissioned by the family of 18-year-old Nolan Wells, who died during a July Fourth boating trip with friends in Mississippi, finds that both the cause and manner of his death are “undetermined,” pending further investigation. Multiple outlets report that a forensic pathologist hired by the family released preliminary findings after the autopsy was performed about four days following Wells’ body being found. The Globe and Mail and others say the report does not show evidence of fractures or bruising, but it also does not rule out the possibility of foul play. NBC News and PBS NewsHour report that the preliminary results do not provide an explanation for the death and call for additional inquiry.
Several reports note that decomposition and other limitations affected what could be determined from the body. One outlet also points to uncertainty involving a reported scalp injury, which has contributed to delays and questions. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump and Wells’ family publicly discuss the results, and some coverage describes Wells’ body being flown to Washington, DC, for the independent examination. CBS News similarly summarizes that the findings remain inconclusive while investigators continue work.
