Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (D-Fla.) is calling on the federal government to launch a “prompt and exhaustive” investigation into the death of Nolan Wells, the 18-year-old whose mysterious death has garnered nationwide attention.
“Nolan Xavier Wells’ family deserves answers. I have called on the National Park Service to conduct a prompt, exhaustive investigation into his death on Horn Island, pursue every lead, and keep his family informed,” Rep. Wilson wrote.
Wells' Family Calls On FBI & DOJ To Investigate
The South Florida Congresswoman’s effort comes after Wells’ family urged the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to conduct a federal probe into the young man’s death.
“What we were left with were many, many inconsistent stories,” Christine Wonsley, Wells’ mother, said in a recent press conference.
Nolan Wells' Mysterious Death & Its Inconsistencies
On July 6, 2026, Nolan Wells was found dead after going on a boat with three other friends to celebrate Independence Day.
Authorities at the time said they suspected that Wells had drowned. However, because of inconsistencies in witness testimony, suspicions of deleted text messages, evidence showing Wells’ phone and location, and one of Wells’ friends possessing his phone after his disappearance, a grand jury was convened to review the evidence in the case.
Grand Jury Finds No Evidence of Foul Play
On Sept. 21, 2026, the grand jury concluded it found “no credible evidence to support the public allegations” that anyone who spent time with Wells prior to his death “engaged in any criminal conduct related to” his death.
The grand jury of 23 stated that the “position of, condition of, time of discovery, and location” of Wells’ body is “consistent with drowning.”
Autopsies Report "Undetermined Death"
Wells’ family rejected the grand jury’s conclusions, as both the private autopsy paid for by former football player Colin Kaepernick and the official state autopsy both found Wells’ cause and manner of death to be “undetermined.”
In the state autopsy report, the pathologist also found "evidence of injury" on the back of Nolan's head. However, they could not conclude how it occurred.
“Nolan’s life mattered. His family’s search for the truth deserves the full weight of the federal government,” Rep. Wilson said.
