The NAACP has conceded that the death of 18-year-old Nolan Wells, who was found floating off Horn Island, Mississippi, may have been an accident. This statement comes as the family releases the results of an independent autopsy, which has returned a verdict of 'undetermined, pending investigation.'

Wells died on the northwestern tip of Horn Island two days after a Fourth of July boating trip with friends. His body was flown to Washington D.C. for the independent examination, arranged by his family and civil rights attorney Ben Crump, and funded by former NFL player Colin Kaepernick.

The autopsy report noted several limitations that hindered a definitive conclusion. Decomposition of the body obscured the presence or absence of bruising on the skin surface. Additionally, anterior neck structures were not received with the body, preventing a complete posterior neck dissection and precluding the coroner from ruling out neck injury as a possible contributor. Prior organ dissection by the Mississippi coroner also prevented direct examination of the teen's airway and lungs for water and stomach contents. Original toxicology reports were also not available at the time of the second autopsy.

While the coroner did not identify any fractures or deep tissue injuries, some red discoloration was found on the back of the teenager's head, the etiology of which remains unclear. Crump stated that based on the examination, foul play cannot be ruled out.

Authorities initially believed Wells died from drowning. The Jackson County Sheriff's Office has not suspected foul play, suggesting Wells may have chosen to stay on the island. Audio released previously captured his friends calmly asking 911 operators for assistance as their boat began taking on water shortly before Wells's disappearance.

Wells's family has sought answers, with his father, Elmore Wonsley, vowing to continue fighting for clarity. Crump has previously expressed the family's distrust of law enforcement, citing concerns about a fair investigation after their Black son died after going out on a boat with three white young men.

Further questions have arisen regarding the timeline of Wells's death. Crump has shared social media allegations, including an unverified photo suggesting Wells may have attended a land-based pool party before his death on July 5. Police are also investigating a video that allegedly shows a heated argument on the beach.

During Wells's funeral, civil rights activist Rev. Al Sharpton announced a $100,000 reward for any new information leading to an arrest and conviction in the case. Actor and filmmaker Tyler Perry pledged to match Sharpton's initial $50,000 donation, bringing the total reward to $100,000.

Wells's mother, Christine Wonsley, described her son as someone who made people feel seen, welcomed, and valued.