Amna Nawaz
@PBSNewsHour·5.3M subscribers·62.2K videos
Nolan Wells' family calls for deeper probe into his death
Posted
July 11, 2026
Views
56,650
Likes
1,069
Engagement
1.89%
July 11, 2026
56,650
1,069
1.89%
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1:26Now PlayingThe family of the teenager whose body was found off the coast of Mississippi is calling for a thorough investigation into his death.
Eighteen-year-old Nolan Wells went on a boat trip to a nearby island with friends during the July Fourth weekend but did not return with them. He was the only Black teenager among a group of white friends.
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office says no foul play is suspected but is calling for any witnesses to come forward.
At a press conference Friday, civil rights attorney Ben Crump said the facts of the case are not adding up as the mother of Nolan Wells asked for answers.
“We just want to know what happened and why our baby didn’t come home,” Christine Wells-Wonsley said.
An official autopsy has been conducted, though it could be weeks before results are released.
Police say the friends who were on the island with Wells are cooperating with the investigation.
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