Nolan Wells’ parents are demanding answers after the 18 year old college football player was found dead following a Fourth of July boating trip, saying too many questions remain unanswered about the circumstances surrounding their son’s death.

Christine and Elmore Wonsley appeared alongside civil rights attorney Ben Crump and Rev. Al Sharpton during a press conference on Friday, where they called for a full and transparent investigation into what happened on Mississippi’s Horn Island. Although Wells traveled to the island with a group of friends, his parents said they have yet to receive a clear explanation of the events leading up to his disappearance.

“We just want honesty and transparency. We want a thorough investigation,” Christine Wonsley said during an appearance on Good Morning America. “We want that same respect that would be given to anybody else. That’s it. We just want answers.”

One of the family’s biggest concerns centers on Wells’ cellphone. After it was returned to them, Christine said she and her sister searched through his Snapchat accounts and were surprised to find no photos or videos, despite Snapchat content typically remaining available for up to 24 hours.

“When we finally got his phone, me and my sister went through the phone. We went into his Snapchat. He had two accounts. Absolutely nothing,” she said. “It wasn’t even 24 hours, which is how long videos and pictures stay on Snapchat. Even my sister said, ‘Yeah, that’s suspicious.'”

The family has also questioned the explanation that Wells voluntarily stayed behind on Horn Island after his friends left.

“I just can’t fathom why he would,” Christine said.

Elmore echoed that disbelief, explaining that his son had always been taught never to separate from the people he traveled with.

“We always told him, if you go with a group, you stay with a group,” he said.

Authorities have said they believe Wells drowned after his body was recovered from the water on July 6. However, Crump said the family does not accept the conclusion that the teenager died in an accidental drowning, noting that Wells was an experienced swimmer.

As they continue searching for answers, the Wonsleys have commissioned an independent autopsy. Crump revealed that former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick helped cover the cost of transporting Wells’ body from Mississippi to Washington, D.C., where an independent forensic examination will be conducted.

“We flew his body up from Mississippi to D.C. because they wanted an autopsy done by a person with no interaction with Mississippi law enforcement,” Crump explained, saying the family wants an entirely independent review of the evidence.

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office has said its investigation remains active as detectives continue working to determine exactly what happened during Wells’ final hours. No official cause of death has been released, and authorities have not announced any criminal charges as the investigation continues.