Independent autopsy raises questions about Nolan Wells death in Mississippi

Jul 22, 2026

A private autopsy for Nolan Wells, a Black teen found dead in Mississippi, has raised questions after the local sheriff quickly ruled out foul play. The report, funded by Colin Kaepernick, found an "undetermined" cause of death and a "red discoloration" on Wells' head, and could not rule out foul play. The case, which involves conflicting witness accounts and a local judge's son, has drawn national scrutiny over potential racial bias in the investigation.

Independent autopsy findings

▪Former NFL quarterback and activist Colin Kaepernick paid for the private autopsy.
▪The private autopsy, conducted by pathologist Dr. Roger Mitchell, listed Wells' cause and manner of death as "undetermined."
▪The autopsy noted a "red discoloration" on the back of Wells' head, which Dr. Mitchell called a matter of "great concern."
▪Dr. Mitchell was unable to examine Wells' stomach and airways for water because they were removed during the first autopsy.
▪A private autopsy of Nolan Wells, a Black college football player, could not rule out "foul play" in his death.

Circumstances of Wells' disappearance

▪Wells' cellphone was not found with his body but was in the possession of one of the friends who left the island.
▪Nolan Wells' body was found on July 6, fully clothed and face down in water near Horn Island, Mississippi.
▪Wells had traveled to the island for the Fourth of July weekend with three white friends who returned to the mainland without him.
▪The friends claimed Wells wanted to stay on the island, while another witness said Wells intended to leave with them.

Investigation concerns

▪The official state autopsy and toxicology reports have not yet been made public.
▪Nolan Wells' mother, Christine Wonsley, criticized the sheriff for ruling out foul play so quickly.
▪Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter suggested Wells' death was an accidental drowning and ruled out foul play shortly after the body was found.

Racial justice implications

▪The case has drawn national attention amid concerns that the deaths of young Black Americans are not adequately investigated.
▪Civil rights lawyer Ben Crump, representing the Wells family, stated that if the roles were reversed, the investigation would be handled differently.
▪Speculation in the case has been fueled by the involvement of a local judge's son.