The parents of 18-year-old Nolan Wells are continuing to ask for prayers and answers as new findings from an independent autopsy raise additional questions about the Mississippi college football player’s death following a Fourth of July trip to Horn Island.

Wells, a recent graduate of Ocean Springs High School and football player at Southwest Mississippi Community College, disappeared after traveling to the island with a group of friends on July 4. He was last seen alive around 3 p.m. that day and did not return to the mainland with the rest of the group. His mother reported him missing that evening, and after a multi-agency search, his body was recovered on July 6.

As investigators continue their work, Wells’ mother, Christine Wonsley, has repeatedly shared the family’s heartbreak while asking supporters to keep praying.

“Missing our Nolan so much every second of every day. This has been the worst time in our lives. Watching his siblings go through the motions of grief adds another layer to the sadness. Please keep us in your prayers and continue to respect our privacy,” she wrote in a Facebook statement.

Shortly after her son’s body was found, Wonsley thanked the many volunteers, law enforcement officers, and community members who helped search for him.

“I want to thank our family, friends, community, United Cajun Navy, local law enforcement, and everyone involved for all the love, support [and] resources over the last few days. His father, Elmore Wonsley, our family, friends, and I are absolutely devastated,” she said. “My heart is broken for our sweet son who was always willing to cheer and uplift others. Nolan was a special soul; God took his time creating our son.”

Now, a preliminary report from an independent autopsy is raising additional questions, though it has not provided definitive answers.

The second autopsy, performed by Dr. Roger Mitchell, president of the National Medical Association, found a 12-by-8-inch area of red discoloration on the back of Wells’ head and neck. While the finding could be consistent with head trauma, the report says decomposition and the absence of associated injuries make that conclusion inconclusive.

The independent autopsy listed both Wells’ cause and manner of death as undetermined pending further investigation, and his exact date of death also remains unknown.

Dr. Mitchell outlined seven key questions investigators still need to answer, including what circumstances led Wells into the water, whether water was present in his airway to indicate drowning, what position his body was in when it was discovered, whether there was evidence of injuries to his neck or throat, whether he suffered a brain bleed, what toxicology testing reveals, and what could have been learned from his stomach contents.

Some of those questions may never be fully answered. According to the report, Wells’ throat, stomach, and several other organs had already been removed during the initial autopsy, preventing portions of the independent examination from being completed.

Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who represents Wells’ family, has said the findings reinforce the family’s desire for a thorough investigation. Crump previously noted that Wells’ body was reportedly found face down and fully clothed, despite photographs from earlier that day showing him shirtless and wearing swimming trunks.

Despite the lingering questions, NAACP President Derrick Johnson acknowledged during a press conference that investigators have not ruled out the possibility that Wells’ death was accidental.

“If it truly was an accident, they have the resources available to help them navigate the situation,” Johnson said.

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Department has maintained that it is actively investigating the case. Officials have previously said they have found no evidence of foul play but continue to ask anyone who was on or near Horn Island on July 4 to provide original photos, videos, or information that could help establish exactly what happened.

Southwest Mississippi Community College continues to mourn the loss of its student-athlete, making counselors and local ministers available to students.

“The entire Southwest family is heartbroken as we mourn the tragic loss of Nolan Wells,” college president J. Steven Bishop said. “We remember Nolan as a well-respected young man who was very popular among friends, faculty and staff. We loved Nolan, and he will be greatly missed in many ways. Our continued prayers will be with the Wells family now and in the days to come.”

Wells was laid to rest in a closed-casket funeral attended by hundreds of mourners. Fighting back tears, his mother remembered the son they loved so deeply.

“We will miss everything about him and his quiet nature, the corny jokes, his gentle smile and the way he made everyone around feel loved, comfortable and at ease,” Wonsley said.

As the investigation continues, Wells’ family remains steadfast in seeking the truth while leaning on the prayers and support of their community during an unimaginably difficult season.

Heavenly Father, we lift up Nolan Wells’ family to You during this time of unimaginable grief. Surround them with Your peace, comfort, and strength, and draw near to each of them as they mourn. We pray for wisdom and discernment for investigators, that the truth would come to light and every question would be answered. May Your presence sustain all who loved Nolan, and may they find hope and comfort in You. Amen.