The investigation into the d#ath of 18-year-old Nolan Wells has taken another unexpected turn after a private autopsy commissioned by his family was unable to determine exactly what happened to him.

According to the preliminary findings released in July, both the cause and manner of Nolan’s d#ath were listed as “undetermined pending investigation.” The independent forensic pathologist noted several limitations that made it difficult to reach a definitive conclusion, including significant decomposition of the body by the time the examination was conducted.

Nolan had gone to Mississippi’s Horn Island with friends on July 4 for a holiday boat trip. He was last seen on the island that afternoon, while his friends returned to the mainland. His family later reported him missing, and his body was recovered from the water on July 6. Authorities have previously said they suspected drowning, but investigators have stressed that the circumstances surrounding his d#ath remained under investigation.

The private autopsy also documented an area of red discoloration near the back of Nolan’s head, although the report did not determine what caused it. The forensic pathologist also noted that portions of Nolan’s throat had been retained during the initial state examination, something medical experts told ABC News can occur during forensic autopsies but may make a subsequent examination more difficult.

Another major question remains whether Nolan entered the water voluntarily and under what circumstances. His family has continued to seek answers, while authorities have urged the public not to draw conclusions before the investigation is complete. The Mississippi State Medical Examiner’s Office has said its examination followed standard procedures and that investigators should be allowed to follow the evidence.

There is also an official state autopsy, separate from the examination commissioned by Nolan’s family. That autopsy was completed by the end of July, but its results had not yet been made public at that time. Officials said the case materials would ultimately be presented to a grand jury once the investigation was complete.

For Nolan’s family, however, the central question remains painfully simple: What happened to him after he was left behind on Horn Island?

Until the official findings and remaining investigative evidence are released, the circumstances surrounding Nolan Wells’ d#ath remain unresolved.

Source:
ABC News — Nolan Wells’ private autopsy findings