Evidence in Nolan Wells case points to an accident, says ex-FBI agent

(NewsNation) — "When you add it all together, what we see publicly seems to be an accident," former FBI agent Jennifer Coffindaffer said, weighing in on the death of 18-year-old Nolan Wells, who died during a Fourth of July boat trip off the Mississippi coast. The case is now headed to a Mississippi grand jury, which will decide whether anyone is charged in Nolan's death. The district attorney says evidence will stay out of public view until the grand jury reviews it first, a move prosecutors say is meant to protect the integrity of the investigation. Coffindaffer says a review of surveillance footage, witness accounts, Coast Guard communications and the area's riptide conditions point toward a tragic accident rather than foul play. About 60 witnesses have been interviewed so far. "I doubt if this, what we know, will come back with the truth," she said, warning more details could still emerge. The case has drawn national attention after sports commentator Stephen A. Smith pushed for answers during an interview on NewsNation's "CUOMO," saying parents who send their kids out expect them to come home. Conflicting accounts have also surfaced about Wells' final hours. A friend says Wells chose to stay behind on Horn Island to talk with 19-year-old Katie McCormack, identified by the Daily Mail. McCormack's sister, Gracie, has reportedly denied those claims, saying Wells was ready to leave with the group. Coffindaffer says both versions could be true. "I think it's more of a timing issue rather than something that is untrue on either end," she says.