Nolan Wells, a student and wide receiver at Southwest Mississippi Community College, died on a trip to Horn Island, an uninhabited stretch of wilderness off the Mississippi coast. His body was found face-down in the water off the shoreline by a National Park Service agent.
Investigation Underway
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Department is investigating Wells’ death, which has sparked speculation and distrust due to Mississippi’s fraught racial history. Wells was the only person of color in an image with his friends on the trip.
Attorney Ben Crump, who is representing Wells’ family, has expressed concerns about the lack of clear details in the case. Crump said that Wells’ parents found his cellphone before police did, and that location history data on the phone has raised questions.
The coroner’s office has ordered an autopsy to determine the cause and manner of Wells’ death. The results are expected soon.
Family and Community React
Wells’ mother, Christine Wonsley, described her son as a peacemaker who wanted everyone to feel included. She said that Wells would have made sure his friends made it home safely.
The community is awaiting the results of the investigation, with many calling for transparency and accountability.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
