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College Athlete's Death: Autopsy Reveals Unexplained Discoloration
23 Jul
Summary
- Independent autopsy found unexplained discoloration behind the college athlete's head.
- Forensic pathologist classified cause and manner of death as undetermined.
- Key neck and organ structures were missing from the second examination.
An independent autopsy commissioned by the family of 18-year-old college football player Nolan Wells has yielded preliminary findings that classify his cause and manner of death as "undetermined pending investigation." Forensic pathologist Dr. Roger Mitchell Jr. noted an unexplained 12-by-8-inch area of red discoloration on the soft tissue at the back of Wells' head, though without a corresponding cut or skull fracture.
Mitchell's examination faced significant limitations, as internal neck structures and organs had been removed during the initial state autopsy. This prevented a thorough assessment for potential neck trauma or signs of drowning. Decomposition also obscured potential evidence.
Despite these obstacles, the independent report highlighted seven unanswered questions, including how Wells entered the water and his condition prior to death. Family attorney Ben Crump indicated that foul play has not been ruled out. The Jackson County Sheriff's Office and the FBI continue their investigation into Wells' disappearance from Horn Island on July 4th. Funding for the independent autopsy was provided by Colin Kaepernick's Know Your Rights Camp.
