Oklahoma High School Student Dies After Fight

By Andy Rose | CNN

A tragic incident has occurred at Owasso High School in Oklahoma, where a 16-year-old student lost their life following a violent altercation. As investigations continue into the cause of death, concerns have been raised about the hostile climate towards the LGBTQ+ community.

Victim identified as Nonbinary

The victim, Nex Benedict, who identified as nonbinary, passed away on February 8, a day after being involved in a physical altercation with other students at the high school. According to Nex’s guardian and grandmother, Sue Benedict, Nex was severely beaten by three older girls in a bathroom and suffered fatal injuries.

Reports suggest that Nex had been a target of bullying at the school, although the extent of the harassment was not fully known to their family. The tragic incident has shed light on the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in educational settings.

Investigations Underway

Owasso police have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Nex’s death. The police department has stated that they will not disclose further details until the medical examiner’s office determines the cause of death. It remains unclear whether Nex’s passing is directly linked to the altercation at the school.

Allegations of Bullying

Text messages shared by a family member revealed that Nex had been a victim of bullying prior to the fatal incident. The messages indicated that Nex had been physically assaulted by three individuals and had sought medical attention following the altercation.

Details of the bullying remain unclear, but the tragic outcome has ignited conversations about the importance of creating safe and inclusive environments for all students.

Community Response

Following Nex’s untimely death, advocates have condemned actions in Oklahoma that are perceived as discriminatory towards the LGBTQ+ community. Recent legislation and executive orders have raised concerns about the treatment of transgender and nonbinary individuals in the state.

Owasso Public Schools have acknowledged the incident but have cited privacy laws in refraining from disclosing specific disciplinary actions taken against students involved. The school district has pledged to cooperate fully with authorities in the investigation.

Call for Investigation

Lambda Legal and the ACLU of Oklahoma have called for a thorough and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Nex’s death. The community has come together to support Nex’s family during this difficult time, with a GoFundMe page set up to provide financial assistance.

As the community mourns the loss of a young life, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of all students in educational environments.

CNN’s Taylor Romine and Caroll Alvarado contributed to this report.