Kaepernick Funds D.C. Autopsy for Mississippi Teen Nolan Wells as Family Challenges Drowning Account
Updated
Updated · TheGrio · Jul 10
Kaepernick Funds D.C. Autopsy for Mississippi Teen Nolan Wells as Family Challenges Drowning Account
3 articles · Updated · TheGrio · Jul 10
Summary
Nolan Wells’ body was flown from Mississippi to Washington, D.C., for an independent autopsy funded by Colin Kaepernick through his Know Your Rights Camp.
Ben Crump said the outside exam was needed because the family does not trust local authorities’ account that Wells drowned, noting no witness reported seeing him drown.
The family says the friends’ timeline does not add up and points to Wells’ wiped Snapchat accounts and phone location data that conflicted with what they knew about his movements.
Christine and Elmore Wonsley said they want transparency and the same standard of investigation any other family would receive as they seek answers about how the teen died.
Kaepernick’s group has also funded second autopsies in other Mississippi cases, including Delta State student Trey Reed, reflecting broader distrust tied to the state’s history of unresolved deaths.
A teen's mysterious death and a wiped phone. Will a celebrity-funded autopsy challenge the official story in Mississippi?
His Snapchat was wiped and phone data conflicts. Can digital forensics reveal the truth about the teen's mysterious death?
The Nolan Wells Case: Unanswered Questions, Evidence Gaps, and the National Outcry for Justice in Mississippi
Overview
As of July 11, 2026, the death of 18-year-old Nolan Xavier Wells is under active investigation, drawing significant online attention and public concern. Authorities are working to piece together the events leading to his death, aiming for a thorough and transparent inquiry. In response, Wells' family has hired civil rights attorney Ben Crump, whose legal team has launched an independent investigation to ensure all facts are examined. This dual approach highlights the family's commitment to uncovering the truth and addressing evidence gaps, while the ongoing official investigation seeks to answer the many questions raised by the public.