Ben Crump to Announce Preliminary Findings From Independent Autopsy in Death of Nolan Wells

NAACP adopts resolution calling for in-depth, transparent investigation

CHICAGO (July 21, 2026) –– Nationally renowned civil rights and personal injury attorney Ben Crump will join the family of Nolan Xavier Wells at a news conference Wednesday at the 117th NAACP National Convention. Crump will announce the preliminary findings of an independent autopsy conducted on behalf of the family.

Nolan, 18, traveled by boat with friends to Horn Island, Mississippi, on July 4 to celebrate the holiday. When the group returned to shore, Nolan was not with them. On the morning of July 6, a U.S. park ranger found his body at the northwestern tip of the island.

On July 18, the NAACP National Board of Directors adopted a resolution of condolence for the family that calls on local, state, and federal authorities, including the U.S. Department of Justice, to complete an in-depth and openly transparent review of how Nolan came to be left on the island and of all activities in the hours before his body was recovered.

WHO:
Christine and Elmore Wonsley, parents of Nolan Wells
Attorney Ben Crump
Derrick Johnson, President and CEO, NAACP

WHEN:
Wednesday, July 22, 2026
8 a.m. CDT

WHERE:
McCormick Place West Building, Room 183B/C
2301 S. Indiana Ave. (https://www.google.com/maps/search/2301+S.+Indiana+Ave.+%0D%0A+Chicago,+IL+60616?entry=gmail&source=g)
Chicago, IL 60616 (https://www.google.com/maps/search/2301+S.+Indiana+Ave.+%0D%0A+Chicago,+IL+60616?entry=gmail&source=g)