Trump says Nolan Wells' death could get an FBI review after his family asks for a federal probe

President Donald Trump signaled Wednesday that he may push the FBI to open an independent look at the death of Nolan Wells.

A reporter asked outside the White House whether he planned to urge federal investigators to step in. Trump answered that officials are looking at that and said yes.

What happened to Wells

Wells vanished on the Fourth of July while out on a boat with three friends. His body turned up two days afterward on the beach of Horn Island, a barrier island south of the Mississippi coast.

Mississippi authorities investigated and believe he drowned. They have not alleged foul play. The state medical examiner listed the manner of death as undetermined and noted head injuries including two scalp contusions.

A grand jury reviewed the case brought by state prosecutors and declined to indict anyone.

The family's push

Wells' relatives and their attorney, Ben Crump, have pressed for a fuller accounting from the start. Elmore Wonsley, his father, argued Monday that because the body was recovered on federal property the FBI should lead the inquiry.

Crump responded to the president's remarks by saying the family's legal team is eager to cooperate with federal authorities on a complete investigation.