A preliminary independent autopsy has not yet determined how Mississippi teenager Nolan Wells died, family attorney Ben Crump said Wednesday, as authorities continue investigating the 18-year-old’s death. The report listed both the cause and manner of death as “undetermined pending investigation,” Crump announced.
Seeking clarity after their son’s death, Wells’ parents, Christine and Elmore Wonsley, arranged for his body to be sent to Washington, D.C., for an independent autopsy.
A separate report from the Mississippi State Medical Examiner’s Office has not yet been completed, according to Jackson County Coroner Bruce Lynd Jr. Once finalized, that report will be turned over to the local coroner.
“Losing a child, it truly breaks your heart,” Christine Wonsley said during Wednesday’s news conference. “It is a pain that is, just, you can’t measure it. Especially someone like Nolan, who brought so much joy and light and life to everyone.”
“The only question we have is, what happened to our son?” she said.
Wells disappeared on the Fourth of July after taking a boat trip with friends to Horn Island, authorities said. Investigators have said it appears he remained on the island after the group left.
The college football player’s body was found on July 6. Officials have said they suspect Wells drowned, and Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter said there was no early indication of criminal activity. Still, he emphasized that investigators are “working diligently to determine exactly what occurred.”
“Nolan Wells’ family deserves a thorough and factual investigation, and that’s exactly what they’re going to get,” Ledbetter told ABC News last week.
Ledbetter also said the sheriff’s office welcomes the family’s independent investigation.
At Wells’ funeral in his hometown of Ocean Springs on Monday, his mother said his family and friends “will miss everything about him.”
[i]This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.[/i]
[i]ABC News’ [/i][i]Sabina Ghebremedhin contributed to this report.[/i]
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