Nationwide — The family of Nolan Xavier Wells, an African American football player from Mississippi who was found dead after a boating trip, hired attorney Ben Crump to investigate his death. The 18-year-old athlete’s family wants answers and has requested an independent autopsy while authorities continue looking into the case.
Wells went missing on July 4 after he traveled to Horn Island with three white friends by boat. Search teams found his body two days later, and officials confirmed his identity through dental records.
Jackson County Coroner Bruce Lynd said the State Medical Examiner’s Office identified Wells after his remains were recovered. Authorities have not shared his official cause of death.
According to the Clarion Ledger, Crump said Wells’ family wanted a second autopsy to determine whether he had any injuries beyond drowning. His legal team transported the remains to Washington, D.C., for further examination as part of their independent review.
The family brought in Crump after concerns grew over unanswered questions about Wells’ final moments on the island. They are seeking more information about what happened before his death and why he did not return with his friends.
Crump said the family noticed possible inconsistencies, including deleted messages from Wells’ phone. He also revealed that there was reportedly an argument on the island, though investigators have not determined whether it played a role in Wells’ death.
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation is ongoing and that there is currently no evidence of criminal activity. Sheriff John Ledbetter said deputies are gathering witness statements, photos, videos, and other evidence from people who were at Horn Island.
Before his death, Wells was preparing for a Division I football tryout. His family described him as a gifted athlete and strong swimmer with a bright future.
Crump said his team’s focus is on finding facts and understanding what happened. They plan to review autopsy results, records, and witness accounts as the investigation moves forward.
Meanwhile, Wells’ family launched a GoFundMe campaign to help with funeral and memorial costs. It has so far raised nearly $300,000.