A Mississippi grand jury has determined there is no evidence of criminal conduct in the death of Nolan Wells, an 18-year-old college football player. The jury concluded that his death was consistent with drowning during a Fourth of July boating trip. Wells’ body was discovered after disappearing from a trip to Horn Island, Mississippi.
According to a report from District Attorney Angel Myers McIlrath, 23 grand jurors reviewed testimonies from 43 witnesses, along with digital and physical evidence. After careful assessment, the jury found no grounds for criminal charges.
Wells went missing on July 4 after a visit to Horn Island, a barrier island off Mississippi’s Gulf Coast. His body was located in the surrounding waters two days later, following a search effort by multiple agencies.
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The jury report stated that the condition and position of Wells’ body were indicative of drowning, and there was no credible evidence of crime. Bruising found on Wells’ head was deemed non-fatal and unrelated to any alleged criminal activity.
A witness reported seeing Wells slip off the side of a boat, although it remains unclear if this resulted in him striking his head. The witness noted Wells appeared to continue socializing without signs of injury.
No evidence of physical altercations or arguments involving Wells was found on that day.
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A private autopsy commissioned by Wells’ family had labeled the cause and manner of death as undetermined, pending investigation. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump noted an area of discoloration on Wells’ head during a news conference, though pathologist Dr. Roger Mitchell couldn’t establish a definitive cause.
Concerns about Wells’ alcohol consumption arose post-incident. A July 5 email from the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources indicated heavy drinking, without specifying its information source. Wells’ alcohol purchase involved a fake ID, while no adults supplied alcohol of legal age.
Toxicology results were limited due to decomposition. The report confirmed cocaine absence and ruled out known cocaine use.
Wells’ cellphone returned to the mainland without his presence, which the grand jury report documented as typical for visitors leaving belongings aboard boats.
White sand beaches on Horn Island testify to its popularity, yet the area faces hazardous currents.
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The case attracted national attention and speculation. Allegations against those present on the trip led to false public accusations. Wells’ family contributed evidence from their investigation, lacking findings suggestive of criminal actions justifying further inquiry.
The potential exists for the case to revisit a grand jury if new evidence surfaces, as Mississippi law imposes no homicide statute limitations.
The Jackson County Grand Jury could reconsider this matter if future evidence emerges indicating non-accidental circumstances surrounding Wells’ death.