The  family of Nolan Xavier Wells has sharply criticized Mississippi authorities following the release of the state’s autopsy findings, accusing officials of withholding key information and describing the report as “disrespectful” to their son’s memory. Their comments mark the latest chapter in the ongoing investigation into the  death of the 18-year-old college football player, whose body was discovered on Horn Island after he disappeared during a Fourth of July gathering.

Speaking publicly after reviewing the state’s findings, members of the Wells family expressed frustration with both the contents of the autopsy report and the limited access they say they have been given to investigative records. They argued that important questions remain unanswered and said the lack of transparency has only deepened their concerns about how the investigation has been handled.

The dispute follows the release of the official state autopsy, which included toxicology findings but did not provide a definitive explanation for Nolan’s de@th. Earlier, an independent forensic pathologist retained by the Wells family concluded that both the cause and manner of de@th were “undetermined,” explaining that the available evidence did not allow a conclusive finding and neither confirmed nor excluded foul play.

In recent public statements, some members of the Wells family alleged that authorities appear to be “protecting someone or something.” That statement reflects the family’s opinion and has not been substantiated by investigators or by publicly released evidence. Law enforcement officials have not announced any suspects or criminal charges and continue to describe the case as an active investigation.

Authorities have consistently stated that the evidence—including witness interviews, forensic examinations, digital evidence, and laboratory testing—is still being evaluated. Prosecutors and investigators have emphasized that they cannot discuss certain aspects of the case while investigative work remains ongoing, a position commonly taken in active  death investigations.

The case has drawn national attention because of the unanswered questions surrounding Nolan’s disappearance and de@th. Supporters of the Wells family have continued to call for greater transparency, while investigators urge the public to avoid speculation until all available evidence has been thoroughly examined.