Investigation into the Death of Nex Benedict, Nonbinary Teen in Oklahoma

– Oklahoma nonbinary student death
– Nonbinary student death in Oklahoma.

Accident – Death – Obituary News : Police in Oklahoma are currently conducting an investigation into the tragic death of a nonbinary teen named Nex Benedict. The 16-year-old collapsed the day after a physical altercation with other students in their high-school bathroom. Nex’s family has shared that the teen was subjected to relentless bullying due to their gender identity, prompting them to call for accountability and prevention of such incidents in the future. This heartbreaking incident has garnered national attention, especially as Oklahoma lawmakers continue to pass stringent anti-trans laws, further marginalizing the LGBTQ+ community.

Nex, a sophomore at Owasso High School in a suburb northeast of Tulsa, lived with their biological grandmother Sue Benedict and her husband, Walter, who had raised Nex since infancy and formally adopted them a few years ago. Nex identified as nonbinary and preferred they/them pronouns. The family described Nex as a “great kid,” excelling academically with straight-A grades, and enjoying activities such as reading, cooking, playing video games like Minecraft, and spending time with their beloved cat, Zeus.

Despite some reports indicating Nex’s citizenship with the Cherokee Nation, principal chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. clarified that Nex resided within the reservation but was not a tribal member. The tragic incident unfolded in the girls’ bathroom at school, where Nex, along with another transgender student, engaged in a physical altercation with three other students. School administrators intervened, and the students involved were taken to the assistant principal’s and nurse’s offices for statements.

The cause of the altercation remains undisclosed by school authorities and police. However, Nex’s family alleges that the fight stemmed from ongoing bullying directed at Nex because of their gender identity. Following the incident, Nex exhibited visible signs of physical harm, prompting their family to seek medical attention. Tragically, Nex collapsed at home the next day and subsequently passed away, leaving the community and their loved ones in shock and grief.

The circumstances surrounding Nex’s death remain shrouded in mystery as authorities await toxicology and autopsy reports to determine the cause of death. Owasso Public Schools have refrained from divulging further details, citing the ongoing police investigation and privacy laws. The school district emphasized the importance of providing a supportive and safe environment for all students, acknowledging the profound impact of Nex’s passing on the school community.

Nex’s untimely death comes amidst a backdrop of discriminatory legislation targeting transgender and nonbinary individuals in Oklahoma. Lawmakers have passed laws restricting gender-affirming medical care for children, enforcing bathroom restrictions based on assigned gender at birth, and barring the use of nonbinary gender markers on birth certificates. The hostile legislative environment has fueled further discrimination and intolerance towards LGBTQ+ individuals, exacerbating an already challenging situation.

As the investigation continues, Nex’s family has sought legal representation in Tulsa to pursue justice for their loved one. Additionally, a GoFundMe campaign has been set up to assist with funeral expenses, surpassing $100,000 in donations. The family expressed regret for using Nex’s deadname in the fundraiser, acknowledging their learning curve in respecting Nex’s gender identity. The outpouring of support will be channelled towards helping other children navigate their identities, honouring Nex Benedict’s memory and legacy..

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2. Nonbinary student suicide explanation.