The Mississippi state medical examiner classified 18-year-old Nolan Wells’ cause and manner of death as undetermined, citing unknown circumstances. The autopsy noted two bruises beneath the skin on the back of his scalp but did not say how they occurred.
Wells’ family released the state report Thursday. A grand jury reviewing evidence in his death found no criminal charges were warranted at this point, according to a report released Monday night. The state findings match a private autopsy commissioned by the family and released in July, which also classified the cause and manner as undetermined pending investigation.
Wells went missing July 4 after a boat trip with friends to Horn Island; officials said it appeared he stayed on the island after his friends left. His body was recovered July 6, and authorities said they suspected he drowned. The autopsy reported no external scalp injuries or skull fractures.
