Founder Colin Kaepernick Pays For Independent Autopsy Of Nolan Wells

Christine and Elmore Wonsley, the parents of 18-year-old Nolan Wells, spoke publicly for the first time in an emotional Good Morning America interview with Michael Strahan on July 10, 2026, raising pointed questions about their son's death after he disappeared during a Fourth of July trip to Mississippi's Horn Island. Nolan's body was found in the water near the island two days after he went missing; authorities suspect drowning but are still awaiting the state medical examiner's autopsy report.

The Wonsleys are conducting their own independent investigation, centered on why Nolan would have separated from his friend group — something they say was completely out of character. "That we cannot answer," Christine said. Elmore added, "We always taught him that if you go with a group, you stay with a group... so why would he split from the group? I don't know."

The family is also questioning inconsistencies in Nolan's phone location data compared to Snapchat records, and the fact that his Snapchat accounts contained no photos or videos from the trip. "There was absolutely nothing," Christine said.

Attorney Benjamin Crump, representing the family, pointed to conflicting witness accounts about whether Nolan intended to return to the boat, and to a viral video in which Nolan can allegedly be heard asking for his phone. "No young person leaves their cell phone," Crump said.

Sheriff John Ledbetter confirmed investigators are reviewing the video and have requested Nolan's phone for forensic extraction, saying, "We're working toward the same goal as the family."

The family has commissioned an independent autopsy in Washington, D.C., conducted by a pathologist with no ties to Mississippi law enforcement. Crump said our founder Colin Kaepernick paid for the independent autopsy.

Christine and Elmore also remembered their son warmly. "Nolan was just like this bright light," Christine said. "His smile, his energy was just so infectious." Elmore called him "more like a silent leader," saying he led by example and "worked hard" toward his goals. "He's going to be really missed," Elmore said.

Link: People

If you’ve lost someone to fatal violence under police, ICE Agents or while incarcerated, apply to our Autopsy Initiative for a free independent autopsy here: https://www.knowyourrightscamp.org/autopsyinitiative