![\"Football](\"https:\/\/nfldraftdiamonds.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/cb963942-621b-4381-8ccf-1540d3af84e7-1024x576.jpg\")
The family of Southwest Mississippi Community College wide receiver Nolan Wells is seeking more answers after a private autopsy raised questions about the circumstances surrounding his death.<\/p>\n
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump announced Wednesday that a private pathologist who examined Wells\u2019 case could not rule out the possibility of foul play without additional information from the original investigation.<\/p>\n
Wells, a Black college football player, was found dead in the waters near an island off the Mississippi Gulf Coast on July 6. According to Crump, Wells was discovered fully clothed and face down in the water after traveling to the barrier island over the Fourth of July weekend with three white friends.<\/p>\n
The private autopsy reportedly requested additional details from the Mississippi medical examiner regarding injuries and findings involving Wells\u2019 head and neck. Crump said the independent examiner believes more information is needed before determining whether another person may have been involved.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cThis is about getting the truth for Nolan and his family,\u201d Crump said during a press conference at the NAACP\u2019s National Convention in Chicago.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
The case has gained national attention, with advocates calling for a thorough and transparent investigation. Concerns have been raised about whether the deaths of young Black Americans receive the level of scrutiny and attention they deserve.<\/p>\n
Wells, who played wide receiver at Southwest Mississippi Community College, had traveled to the island with friends he had known since high school in nearby Ocean Springs, Mississippi. According to Crump, the three friends returned to the mainland without Wells.<\/p>\n
Crump also stated that Wells\u2019 cellphone was not found with his body but was later located in the possession of one of the friends who had traveled with him.<\/p>\n
Authorities have not publicly confirmed any evidence of foul play, and the investigation remains ongoing. Wells\u2019 family continues to search for answers as they await more details from officials and independent investigators.<\/p>\n
The family and their legal team are calling for a complete review of the circumstances surrounding Wells\u2019 death, hoping additional information will help provide clarity about what happened in the final moments of the young athlete\u2019s life.<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
\nNFL Draft Diamonds was created to assist the underdogs playing the sport. We call them diamonds in the rough. My name is Damond Talbot, I have worked extremely hard to help hundreds of small school players over the past several years, and will continue my mission. We have several contributors on this site, and if they contribute their name and contact will be in the piece above. You can email me at nf**************<\/span>@***<\/span>il.com<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n