Independent autopsy of Nolan Wells returns inconclusive findings as family demands investigation
Nolan Wells, an 18-year-old Black college football player, was found dead on July 6, 2026, two days after a July 4 boat trip with friends to Horn Island off the Mississippi coast. An independent autopsy, paid for by Colin Kaepernick and announced at the NAACP National Convention in Chicago on July 22, returned inconclusive findings, unable to determine cause of death or rule out non-accidental factors. The official Mississippi State Medical Examiner autopsy remains pending, and the Jackson County Sheriff's Office has said there is no initial indication of a crime while continuing its investigation.
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Broad agreement on what happened
Outlets across the spectrum land in roughly the same place: the shared language is highlighted.
“The results of the autopsy of Nolan Wells will be released Wednesday, the family's attorney says”WT Washington Times RIGHT
“WATCH LIVE: Family of Nolan Wells expected to announce results of independent autopsy” · PBS NewsHour, Globe and Mail