Remembering Nex Benedict: Tragic Death of Oklahoma High School Student Sparks Bullying Concerns

Oklahoma High School Student Dies Following Altercation Over Gender Identity

OKLAHOMA CITY — A tragic incident unfolded at Owasso High School in Oklahoma, where a 16-year-old student lost their life a day after an altercation in a school restroom. The incident, which involved several students, is believed to have been prompted by bullying over the student’s gender identity. The victim, identified by family members as Nex Benedict, was a nonbinary individual who used they/them pronouns.

Investigation into the Death

Upon investigation, the Owasso police department revealed that preliminary autopsy results indicate that the teen did not die as a result of injuries sustained in the fight. The cause of death is yet to be determined, pending toxicology and ancillary testing results.

Police Lieutenant Nick Boatman stated that detectives are actively interviewing staff and students at the school to gather more information about the incident. Although the exact circumstances leading to the altercation remain unclear, Benedict’s family has mentioned that the teen faced harassment due to their nonbinary identity.

Family’s Account

Nex Benedict’s mother, Sue Benedict, recounted the events leading to her child’s tragic demise. She mentioned that Nex was attacked and assaulted in a bathroom by a group of other students. Despite being able to leave the bathroom after the fight, Nex was taken to the hospital by their family on the same day. Unfortunately, the following day, paramedics were called to their home for a medical emergency, and Nex was rushed to the hospital where they later passed away.

Reflecting on their loss, Malia Pila, Nex Benedict’s sister, described the deceased as a wonderful individual who impacted their lives significantly. Pila expressed deep sadness over Nex’s passing.

Calls for Justice

The Benedict family set up a GoFundMe page to cover funeral expenses and urged for respect and understanding towards Nex’s preferred name and pronouns. Sue Benedict pleaded for empathy and urged against judging the family for their ignorance on the subject of nonbinary identities.

Police are expected to forward the investigation results to the local district attorney to determine potential charges. When asked about the possibility of hate crime charges, Boatman mentioned that all crimes and charges would be considered.

Community Response

Following Nex Benedict’s tragic death, Governor Kevin Stitt expressed his condolences to the family, classmates, and the Owasso community. Stitt emphasized the need for accountability for bullies and highlighted the importance of addressing such incidents in schools.

Amidst the tragedy, Oklahoma’s Superintendent of Public Schools, Ryan Walters, faced criticism for anti-trans policies and appointments. The ACLU Oklahoma condemned discriminatory policies and hateful rhetoric against transgender youth, advocating for a safer and more inclusive school environment.

In conclusion, the untimely death of Nex Benedict has brought attention to the challenges faced by nonbinary individuals in educational settings. As the investigation unfolds, the community mourns the loss of a young life and calls for justice and accountability in the face of bullying and discrimination.