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4w ago

Civil Rights Leaders and Lawmakers Urge Federal Review of Nolan Wells’ Death

Sealed state autopsy results plus an independent 'undetermined' finding and reported gaps in digital evidence prompt calls for a Justice Department review.

The family of Nolan Xavier Wells, a Mississippi teen who went missing on a Fourth of July trip and later found dead, spoke out about their son's death at the National Association of Black Journalists on Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026. (Photos: Jackson County Sheriff's Office/Screenshot via CNN Newsource)
Nolan Xavier Wells was last seen Saturday, July 4, around 3 p.m. on Horn Island, according to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office. (Photo: Jackson County Sheriff's Office)
Civil Rights Attorney Ben Crump to speak out about Nolan Wells' death at the National Association of Black Journalists on Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026. (Photos: Jackson County Sheriff's Office/Screenshot via CNN Newsource)
The family of Nolan Xavier Wells, a Mississippi teen who went missing on a Fourth of July trip and later found dead, and Civil Rights Attorney Ben Crump spoke out about their son's death at the National Association of Black Journalists on Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026. (Photo: Screenshot via CNN Newsource)

Overview

  • Eighteen-year-old Nolan Wells went to Horn Island on July 4 and his body was recovered near the island on July 6, two days after the trip.
  • The Mississippi State Medical Examiner completed an autopsy and toxicology that remain sealed for grand‑jury review while the FBI is assisting local investigators.
  • The family’s independent autopsy found the cause and manner of death to be undetermined, and the family has retained civil rights lawyer Ben Crump to lead an independent probe.
  • At a National Association of Black Journalists event, Ben Crump, Rev. Al Sharpton and Rep. Lucy McBath joined Wells’ parents to demand a federal review and the Congressional Black Caucus asked the Justice Department to consider a civil‑rights investigation.
  • Investigators and the family have issued subpoenas for social‑platform data, boat GPS and audio records to address reports of missing or deleted content, and the case’s publicity has raised pressure for greater transparency and potential federal action.