Nolan Wells Death: Scandal Over Leaked Records

A new scandal is brewing around the tragic death of Nolan Wells: the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (MDMR) has admitted it mistakenly released documents related to the investigation into his death. The agency has now been instructed by prosecutors not to disclose any further materials.

In response to a public records request, MDMR confirmed it had "inadvertently released records" connected to Nolan's case. Officials did not specify which documents were disclosed or to whom they were given. Later, it emerged that Jackson County District Attorney Angel Myers McIlrath had notified the department that Nolan's death is still under investigation and will be presented to a grand jury.

The prosecutor stressed that MDMR's involvement in the search for Nolan, as well as assistance provided to the Jackson County Sheriff's Office, is part of that investigation and therefore exempt from public disclosure. The D.A. asked the department to refrain from releasing any more protected information, and the agency agreed, withholding the requested records.

As a reminder, Nolan Wells went missing during a July 4th boating trip to Horn Island, and his body was found in the water two days later. Authorities have said they believe he drowned and have found no evidence of a crime, but an official cause and manner of death have not been released.

Journalists obtained a video from the gathering that appears to show Nolan in swim trunks on the back of a boat—likely the last image of him alive. An independent autopsy commissioned by Nolan's family found a large area of red discoloration on the back of his head, which could indicate a possible injury, but the cause and manner of death remain undetermined pending investigation.

Family attorney Ben Crump said the independent examiner still needs to examine Nolan's throat, lungs, and the original autopsy photos to determine what happened. The leak of documents adds to the tension: the family and the public demand transparency, while authorities cite investigative secrecy. The grand jury's decision will be crucial in deciding whether there are grounds for criminal prosecution.