Attention in the death of 18-year-old Nolan Wells has focused on autopsy reports, according to a report by FOX 26. There is an official state autopsy, which has not yet been released, and a separate independent autopsy that the family pursued on its own.
A legal analyst told the station that the state autopsy is conducted first because the state had custody of the body from once it was recovered, giving it the primary opportunity to examine the body for signs of trauma, drowning or other injuries. An independent examiner receives the body afterward, and the family used it to seek answers ahead of the state's results.
The family said publicly that the independent autopsy determined the cause and manner of death to be undetermined pending investigation, according to FOX 26. The analyst said the independent examiner was unable to reach a final conclusion about the cause of death.
That was because significant parts of Wells' body were missing, in particular his larynx and his throat, the analyst said, according to the report. He said that could be relevant to whether Wells was choked or asphyxiated, or whether he took on water and drowned.
Drowning was the initial story that officials said they suspected, according to FOX 26. The analyst said that without fully examining the body, a forensic examiner cannot rule a particular cause of death in or out.
Videos have surfaced online, and TMZ, a Fox partner, obtained video of the moments when Wells was last seen on the island, according to the report. In the footage he appears to be on several boats and with a crowd of people.
Ben Crump is the attorney currently working with the family, who have been outspoken about what they believe happened to their son, according to FOX 26. The analyst said the family is anxious for answers and is seeking more from the officials in charge of the investigation.