Family Calls for Autopsy of Nolan Wells After July 4

The family of an 18-year-old college football player found dead after a Fourth of July outing is demanding a thorough investigation, citing conflicting accounts and unanswered questions about his final hours. Nolan Wells of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, disappeared on July 4 after traveling with friends to Horn Island in the Mississippi Gulf Coast. His body was recovered near the island's northwestern tip on July 6.

At a press conference in New York City on July 10, Wells's mother, Christine Wonsley, shared her final moments with her son, recalling that he prepared a salmon dinner, hugged and kissed her, and said, "Hey mom, I'm about to go, love you," before leaving to spend the night at a friend's house ahead of the trip. Wells was last seen by friends on the island around 3 p.m. on July 4. Authorities reported he was not with the group when they departed the island later that afternoon due to a boat experiencing mechanical issues, with friends stating he had chosen to stay behind.

The Jackson County Sheriff's Office has said it does not suspect foul play and preliminarily believes Wells drowned. However, the family, represented by civil rights attorney Ben Crump, has raised...