Mississippi Grand Jury Finds No Criminal Conduct in College Football Player's Drowning Death

A Mississippi grand jury has determined that there is no evidence of criminal conduct in the death of 18-year-old college football player Nolan Wells. The Jackson County grand jury concluded that Wells' death during a Fourth of July boating trip to Horn Island was consistent with drowning.

The 23-member grand jury reviewed evidence from 43 witnesses, including police reports, interviews, videos, images, and maps. In its report, released by District Attorney Angel Myers McIlrath, the jury found that no criminal charges were warranted.

Wells disappeared on July 4 after traveling with friends to Horn Island, a barrier island off Mississippi's Gulf Coast. His body was recovered two days later by a multi-agency search effort.

The grand jury report stated that the "position of, condition of, time of discovery, and location" of Wells’ body were consistent with drowning. It also found "no credible evidence" that anyone involved in the trip committed a crime related to his death. A bruising on the back of Wells’ head was deemed not to be a fatal injury, and the jury found no evidence of a fatal injury or organic disease. Investigators could not determine how the bruise was sustained.

One witness testified that Wells was seen slipping off the side of a boat, but could not confirm if he struck his head during the fall. The witness also stated that Wells continued socializing afterward and did not appear injured. The report also indicated Wells was not involved in any physical altercations or arguments on the day he disappeared.

A private autopsy commissioned by Wells’ family had previously listed his cause and manner of death as "undetermined pending investigation." Attorneys for the family stated that their investigation found no witnesses or evidence pointing to potential criminal activity.

The grand jury report addressed Wells' alcohol consumption, noting he purchased alcohol using a fake ID. It also stated that no adults of legal drinking age provided him with alcohol on the island. Toxicology testing was described as "not particularly informative" due to decomposition fluids. The report found no cocaine in Wells’ system and no evidence of its prior use.

Regarding Wells' cellphone, which was returned to the mainland without him, the grand jury noted it was not unusual for belongings to be left behind on boats while people visited the island. Wells’ phone was not the only one to return without its owner.

The case garnered national attention and online speculation. The grand jury report characterized the public attacks on individuals involved in the trip as "malicious, false, and having no truth in fact or evidence."

While the grand jury found no criminal conduct, the case could be revisited if new evidence emerges, as Mississippi has no statute of limitations on homicide cases. The report stated, "If credible evidence comes to light in the future that suggests Mr. Wells’ death was non-accidental, this matter should be represented to the Jackson County Grand Jury for further consideration."