Questions Raised After Private Autopsy of College Football Player Nolan Wells’ Death

The family of Southwest Mississippi Community College wide receiver Nolan Wells is seeking more answers after a private autopsy raised questions about the circumstances surrounding his death.

Civil rights attorney Ben Crump announced Wednesday that a private pathologist who examined Wells’ case could not rule out the possibility of foul play without additional information from the original investigation.

Wells, a Black college football player, was found dead in the waters near an island off the Mississippi Gulf Coast on July 6. According to Crump, Wells was discovered fully clothed and face down in the water after traveling to the barrier island over the Fourth of July weekend with three white friends.

The private autopsy reportedly requested additional details from the Mississippi medical examiner regarding injuries and findings involving Wells’ head and neck. Crump said the independent examiner believes more information is needed before determining whether another person may have been involved.

“This is about getting the truth for Nolan and his family,” Crump said during a press conference at the NAACP’s National Convention in Chicago.

The case has gained national attention, with advocates calling for a thorough and transparent investigation. Concerns have been raised about whether the deaths of young Black Americans receive the level of scrutiny and attention they deserve.

Wells, who played wide receiver at Southwest Mississippi Community College, had traveled to the island with friends he had known since high school in nearby Ocean Springs, Mississippi. According to Crump, the three friends returned to the mainland without Wells.

Crump also stated that Wells’ cellphone was not found with his body but was later located in the possession of one of the friends who had traveled with him.

Authorities have not publicly confirmed any evidence of foul play, and the investigation remains ongoing. Wells’ family continues to search for answers as they await more details from officials and independent investigators.

The family and their legal team are calling for a complete review of the circumstances surrounding Wells’ death, hoping additional information will help provide clarity about what happened in the final moments of the young athlete’s life.