Wells family pushes for answers as independent probe widens and social-data subpoenas loom

The Wells family is pressing for more information about 18-year-old Nolan Wells’s disappearance and death after authorities said foul play wasn’t initially suspected but continue investigating. They’ve launched an independent probe, obtained the full distress-call audio, and are consulting oceanic and medical experts to better understand factors that could explain where his body was found and the autopsy results. The family seeks a joint cellphone-data review with the district attorney, and subpoenas have been issued to Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Life360, Snapchat and TikTok for Wells’ account data. The case has also drawn online harassment toward Wells’s family and associates.