The independent autopsy of Nolan Wells is sparking even more questions after the preliminary findings were released Wednesday — though the NAACP head conceded that the teen’s tragic death may have been an accident.
Wells, 18, had red discoloration to the back of his head, according to the autopsy performed by Dr. Roger Mitchell, President of the National Medical Association July 10.
However, his cause and manner of death were given as undetermined pending investigation, with the date of death also unknown.
The forensic pathologist said he cannot rule out damage to the throat as being a cause or contributory factor to Wells’ death, because it had been removed during the initial autopsy.
Famed civil rights attorney Ben Crump announced the findings as Wells’ heartbroken parents, Christine and Elmore Wonsley, listened on from the press conference crowd.
Crump also claimed that Wells’ body was found face down and fully clothed, despite photos from the day showing him shirtless, wearing swimming trunks.
The pathologist also highlighted seven unanswered questions in his autopsy report.
These include: what were the circumstances that led to Wells entering the water, what position was the body in when found, and was there any water in the airway, which would indicate drowning.
The pathologist added that he still wants to know if there is any evidence of injuries to the front of the neck or throat, or evidence of a brain bleed.
Finally, the pathologist highlighted the need to discover the composition of Wells’ stomach contents and the toxicology report findings.
Wells’ parents had flown their 18-year-old son’s body over 800 miles to Washington, DC, for an independent autopsy.
Former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick was helping with the costs, Crump previously revealed.
Despite the unanswered questions, the NAACP conceded that it couldn’t rule out that Wells’ death may have been an accident.
“If it truly was an accident, they have the resources available to help them navigate the situation,” NAACP President Derrick Johnson told the press conference.
The 18-year-old college football player was found dead on July 6, days after he vanished on a trip to Horn Island, Mississippi, with his friends — who left the island without him, according to police.
The teen’s body was positively identified as his remains the following day using dental records.
Police have said nothing “yet” points to foul play and they suspect Wells likely drowned.
Jackson County Coroner Bruce Lynd Jr. told The Post at the time that results from the official post-mortem could take weeks while they await the results from toxicology tests.
Crump previously told ex-CNN star Don Lemon the second autopsy would reveal if Wells had “any physical injuries to his body beyond drowning.”
Wells was laid to rest in a closed casket Monday at a packed hometown funeral exactly two weeks after his body was found in the water just off the barrier island.
“We will miss everything about him and his quiet nature, the corny jokes, his gentle smile and the way he made everyone around feel loved, comfortable and at ease,” Christine Wonsley told mourners through tears.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
