Cause and manner: undetermined
Dr. Roger A. Mitchell, Jr. retains both classifications and reports that the original Mississippi pathologist did as well. He calls for continued investigation. Report p. 1; Report p. 2.
What the final report concludes
Head injury identified
Mitchell identifies the earlier red discoloration as blood associated with blunt-force injury. He describes two posterior scalp contusions documented at the first autopsy and histology suggesting a probable recent injury before death. The mechanism and contribution to death remain unexplained. Report p. 6.
Additional probable bruises
From original photographs, Mitchell identifies three additional bruises in his opinion: two above the buttocks and one near the left shoulder blade. He notes limited photography and absent targeted histology. These are his photographic interpretations. Report p. 5; Report p. 6–7.
Alcohol interpretation disputed
The reported ethanol result is 270 mg/dL in decomposition fluid, not a blood specimen. Mitchell says it cannot reliably establish blood alcohol at death or prove incapacitating intoxication. The cannabinoid screen was presumptive positive, with a negative confirmatory test. Report p. 3; Report p. 7–8.
No water identified in airway or stomach
Mitchell reports that the original examiner did not identify water in the airway or any gastric contents, including water, in the stomach. The report uses “airway”; it does not separately state that the lungs contained no water. Cause and manner remain undetermined. Report p. 6.
Photographs show shore and water positions
Mitchell describes photographs showing Nolan face down on the shoreline with his head in the sand, as well as additional photographs showing him face down in the water. The report does not establish which position came first, whether or when the body was moved, who moved it, or the exact initial discovery location. The original scene photographs are not included in the released report. Report p. 5. Recovery-location questions.
What changed since the preliminary report
The second autopsy took place July 10, 2026; the report dates the preliminary findings to July 17. Mitchell subsequently reviewed retained tissue, the original autopsy and scene photographs, radiology, and investigative materials during an August 31–September 1 visit to Mississippi. He also visited Horn Island. The final report is dated and signed September 14. Report p. 2; Report p. 4–6; Report p. 8.
- Neck structures were later examined. Initially absent from the second examination, the retained hyoid and laryngeal/tracheal structures were reviewed on site. Mitchell reports no fractures or acute injury; a left hyoid-horn deformity is noted. The earlier inability to inspect them is no longer a current limitation. Report p. 3–4; Report p. 6.
- The head discoloration is no longer described as merely unexplained color. Mitchell reports confirmation of blood and interprets it as bruising. His histology suggests recent injury before death but does not establish a clock time, object, assailant, or fatal mechanism. Report p. 6.
- Toxicology is now discussed in a primary report. The original laboratory report and complete state autopsy are not included in this download. Their findings are available here through Mitchell’s review, with his specimen and interpretation limitations. Report p. 4; Report p. 7–8.
What this report does not settle
The report does not determine how Nolan entered the water, what caused the injuries, his precise condition immediately beforehand, or whether any injury caused his death. The date of death remains listed as unknown. Mitchell’s inability to exclude non-accidental factors does not establish homicide or identify a responsible person. Report p. 1–2; Report p. 8.
Mitchell says the original examiner did not identify water in the airway or gastric contents, including water, in the stomach. That observation is not presented here as independently excluding drowning: Mitchell’s final classification remains undetermined. Report p. 6.
The grand jury report and this medical opinion address different questions. The No True Bill remains the grand jury’s reported action; this final report preserves the independent pathologist’s findings and unresolved medical questions.
Shoreline versus water: the recovery sequence remains unresolved
Mitchell describes photographs showing Nolan face down on the shoreline with his head in the sand, as well as additional photographs showing him face down in the water. The report does not establish which position came first, whether or when the body was moved, who moved it, or the exact initial discovery location. The original scene photographs are not included in the released report. See the body-recovery review. Report p. 5.
The site owner supplied a Google Maps screenshot clarifying the intended recovery coordinate as 30.242800, -88.778600 (30°14′34.1″N, 88°46′43.0″W). The report prints longitude 80.77860°W; the clarification uses 88.778600°W. The original PDF remains unchanged. This identifies the intended mapped location, but does not establish the order of the shoreline and in-water photographs or which position was the initial discovery. Open the intended recovery location in Google Maps. View the supplied map screenshot. The clarification is attributed to the site owner; an original agency scene record confirming the coordinate remains a companion record to obtain.
Evidence still needed
- The complete original state autopsy and laboratory toxicology reports, including specimen documentation and confirmatory results.
- Original scene and autopsy photographs, radiology, tissue records, and the documented investigation of the injuries.
- The ranger recovery narrative and an authenticated discovery coordinate and movement sequence.
- Credible evidence establishing injury mechanism, timing, water entry, and Nolan’s condition before death.
These companion records are referenced by the final report; the independent report’s availability does not mean the archive has obtained them. See evidence status.
Original file and provenance
This is the unmodified PDF hosted by DocumentCloud and embedded in the September 22 Sun Herald article. The article attributes the release to Ben Crump’s law firm. This archive does not represent the PDF as a direct delivery from the examiner. All ten pages are retained, including references and the final page’s annotated head/skull clarification diagram. Page 10 marks the posterior head region as red-discolored soft tissue; it is an illustration, not a photograph. The text extraction does not capture this image.
Evidence class: Verified for the contents of the obtained report; medical interpretations are attributed to Mitchell. Confidence: High for what the document says. Dates are document dates, not an established time of death. Master investigation notes.