Mississippi Grand Jury Finds No Criminal Conduct in Nolan Wells’ Drowning

A Mississippi grand jury has concluded that no criminal conduct occurred in the case of Nolan Wells, an 18-year-old college football player whose body was discovered after disappearing during a Fourth of July boating trip. The jury, composed of 23 members, determined that Wells’ death was consistent with drowning, based on a report released by District Attorney Angel Myers McIlrath.

Wells vanished on July 4 during a trip to Horn Island, located off Mississippi’s Gulf Coast. His body was found two days later. The jury reviewed evidence from 43 witnesses, along with police reports, interviews, videos, images, and maps. The investigation did not warrant any criminal charges.

The “position of, condition of, time of discovery, and location” of Wells’ body were consistent with drowning.

The jury found no credible evidence that anyone committed a crime in relation to his death. Bruising on Wells’ head was not considered fatal, and the cause of the bruise was undetermined. A witness mentioned seeing Wells slip off a boat, but couldn’t confirm head injury during the fall.

A private autopsy, commissioned by Wells’ family, also could not determine the cause or manner of death. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump noted a red discoloration on the back of Wells’ head but agreed on the conclusions of the pathologist.

Questions about Wells’ alcohol consumption arose during the investigation. An email from the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources mentioned Wells’ “heavy” alcohol intake, although the source was unidentified. The grand jury found that Wells used a fake ID to buy alcohol and received no alcohol from adults of legal drinking age.

Toxicology results were inconclusive due to the decomposition fluid used, but noted no presence of cocaine in Wells’ system. The jury examined the handling of Wells’ cellphone, which had been taken back to the mainland without him, and determined it was not unusual for belongings to return separately from their owners.

Wells’ death gained national attention amid online speculations and accusations against those involved in the trip. The grand jury condemned the “malicious, false” public attacks without evidence.

Though Wells’ family’s private investigation uncovered no criminal evidence, the case may be revisited if new evidence surfaces, as Mississippi does not have a statute of limitations on homicides.