An independent forensic examination of 18-year-old Nolan Xavier Wells has not determined how he died, leaving one of the summer’s most closely watched death investigations without a definitive medical conclusion while raising new questions that his family and attorneys say require additional investigation.

Investigation Details

The preliminary report, released by civil rights attorney Ben Crump, lists both the cause and manner of Wells’ death as “undetermined, pending investigation.” The findings come nearly three weeks after Wells disappeared during a July 4 boating trip to Mississippi’s Horn Island. His body was recovered two days later.

According to Crump, the examination was funded through an initiative supported by former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick. The report identifies several factors that limited the independent examination, including significant decomposition and the state’s initial autopsy, which prevented a complete independent assessment.

Wells’ mother, Christine Wonsley, said her family continues to seek only one answer: what happened to their son. The family has endured public criticism while mourning their son and is seeking honesty and transparency from local authorities.

Family and Community Reaction

NAACP President Derrick Johnson sharply criticized what he described as shortcomings in the investigation, saying the narrative should not be that it was an accident before there was an investigation. Authorities have not publicly accused anyone of wrongdoing, and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department has previously said investigators have found no evidence indicating foul play.

Crump urged anyone with photographs, videos, or information from the July 4 gathering to come forward, announcing that a $125,000 reward remains available for information that advances the investigation.

Original reporting: The Washington Informer — read the source article.