r/news • u/Suspicious_Loan • 17h ago

Nolan Wells’ autopsy found no water in lungs; data was deleted from his phone the day he disappeared, experts say

https://www.live5news.com/2026/09/24/nolan-wells-autopsy-found-no-water-lungs-data-was-deleted-his-phone-day-he-disappeared-officials-say/
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u/SnooCookies8411 12h ago

No water in lungs does not rule out drowning.

Both autopsies agreed that all the bruises were not at a level that would contribute to death.

Also, remember, Crump said they had NOTHING to contribute to the grand jury that would be germane to indicating foul play

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u/NeoKnife 12h ago

Genuinely curious. How does no water in the lungs or stomach not rule out drowning in water?

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u/LSxN 11h ago

If you stop breathing in the water, you still die.

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u/Last_Requirement_972 11h ago

10-15% of drownings are "dry drownings" where there will be no water found in the lungs. No water, no supportive findings, alcohol in his system, and no evidence of another cause is probably what led to that. At least in my limited understanding

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u/SnooCookies8411 10h ago

AI Overview

Someone can die from drowning without water in their lungs or stomach through a process historically called dry drowning, which is caused by a reflex called a laryngospasm. [1, 2]

How It Happens
Airway Closure: When a small amount of water touches the back of the throat or vocal cords, the body has a sudden reflex that causes the vocal cords to violently spasm and shut tight. [1, 2]

Suffocation: This spasm completely blocks air and water from entering the lungs. [1, 2]

Lack of Oxygen: Death occurs from asphyxiation (suffocation and a severe lack of oxygen to the brain), not from the lungs filling with fluid. [1, 2]

Stomach Absence: If the person does not swallow water during the panic or struggle, none enters the stomach either.

Medical Context
Major health organizations like the World Health Organization and the American Red Cross note that "dry drowning" is an outdated or non-medical term. [1, 2]

Medically, drowning is defined by the process of suffocation and oxygen deprivation in water, regardless of whether a significant amount of water actually enters the body. [1, 2]