Nolan Wells Death Investigation Ends, but Ben Crump Says Questions Remain

The grand jury found no evidence of a crime in Nolan Wells’ death investigation. The 18-year-old Black teen was found dead near Horn Island on July 6, 2026. He had disappeared two days earlier during a boat trip with friends. Now, attorney Ben Crump says questions about injuries found on Wells’ body remain unanswered.

Ben Crump is seeking answers about Nolan Wells’ injuries after a grand jury found no evidence of a crime

Jackson County District Attorney Angel Myers McIlrath said Nolan’s death was consistent with drowning. The grand jury also voted “no true bill” and dismissed the case. However, Crump challenged the conclusion. He represents Wells’ family and questioned the injuries found on Nolan’s body.

According to TMZ, Crump said McIlrath was closing the case “without getting to the bottom of what caused the blunt force trauma to the back of his head and body.”

The family’s second independent autopsy also raised questions. Forensic pathologist Dr. Roger A. Mitchell Jr. listed Nolan’s cause and manner of death as undetermined. Mitchell found Nolan “sustained recent unexplained blunt force injuries to the back of the head and additional areas of his back.” He also confirmed that red discoloration on Nolan’s body was blood.

The original Mississippi pathologist had reported those marks as two contusions. Crump said the cause of those injuries remained unexplained. He also claimed the state medical examiner did not photograph the back of Nolan’s head. According to Crump, those injuries could have contributed to Nolan’s death.

Meanwhile, McIlrath rejected claims that Nolan’s death was racially motivated. She said in a video statement that there was “absolutely no evidence” supporting that theory. She also accused outsiders and influencers of exploiting Nolan’s death. According to McIlrath, they attempted to create division and chaos within the community.

The circumstances fueled speculation about a possible racially motivated attack. Nolan was reportedly the only Black teen on the boat. His family then hired Crump and began its own investigation. Crump said the state medical examiner had identified head injuries early in the investigation.

The official autopsy report said the body’s position and location supported drowning. However, Nolan’s manner of death remained listed as undetermined. Crump now wants investigators to continue searching for answers.

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