Grand Jury Finds Nolan Wells' Death Consistent with Drowning, No Evidence of Foul Play

A grand jury has concluded that Nolan Wells' death was "consistent with drowning" and found no evidence of foul play, following a review of the official autopsy and other evidence. The Mississippi State Medical Examiner's Office determined the 18-year-old's cause and manner of death as undetermined, which aligns with the findings of an independent autopsy commissioned by Wells' family. The grand jury report, filed on Friday in Jackson County, stated, "The position of, the condition of, time of discovery, and location of Mr. Wells' body is consistent with drowning." Additionally, the grand jury indicated there was no evidence that a crime led to Wells' death. The report noted bruising on the back of Wells' head, which was not deemed a fatal injury, and confirmed no fatal injury or organic disease was present in his body. Wells, who was black, died after visiting Horn Island, located 10 miles off Mississippi's Gulf Coast, with friends on July 4. His friends returned to the mainland due to a mechanical issue, while Wells remained on the island. His body was found on July 6 in the surrounding waters. District Attorney Angel Myers McIlrath stated, "There is absolutely no evidence to support the allegations that Nolan's death and disappearance were racially motivated." She emphasized that Wells' friends cared for him and that he chose to stay on the island that day, with no evidence to suggest otherwise. This story is ongoing and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.