Nolan Wells, a 18-year-old football player from Mississippi, died during a Fourth of July boat trip to Horn Island. His body was found two days later, on July 6, facedown in the water off the shoreline of Horn Island.
Investigation Underway
Two concurrent autopsy investigations are underway to determine Wells’ cause and manner of death. The Mississippi State Medical Examiner’s Office is conducting the official autopsy investigation, while Wells’ parents have also sent their son’s body out of state for an independent autopsy.
According to Jackson County Coroner Bruce Lynd, there were no immediate, obvious signs of foul play or trauma on Wells’ body. However, due to the uncertain circumstances, an autopsy was requested to determine if there was any foul play or trauma.
Wells’ friends who were on the trip have received death threats, and some have speculated about whether race played a role in his death. However, law enforcement analyst Charles Ramsey said that there is nothing surprising about the timeline of the investigation and how it’s proceeding.
Community Reaction
The community is awaiting the results of the autopsies and the investigation. A visitation and funeral will be held for Wells, with the Rev. Al Sharpton delivering the eulogy.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
