– Vigils for nonbinary teen in Oklahoma
– Vigils held for Oklahoma teen who died in school bathroom fight.

Accident – Death – Obituary News :

Vigils held nationwide for nonbinary teen Nex Benedict

By KEN MILLER Associated Press

EDMOND, O.K.- Vigils were held across the country for Nex Benedict, a nonbinary teenager who tragically passed away one day after a confrontation in a high school bathroom.

More than two dozen individuals gathered at an Oklahoma church for the vigil at All Saints Episcopal Church in McAlester, which was organised by the McAlester Rainbow Connection. This was one of two vigils held on Friday night in Oklahoma, with more than a dozen vigils scheduled nationwide through Monday.

On Saturday night, dozens of people also gathered on Boston Common to honour the memory of Nex Benedict. Local LGBTQ+ and Indigenous community leaders joined the gathering and shared their thoughts and condolences.

Nex Benedict, a 16-year-old student from Oklahoma, tragically passed away the day after a scuffle in an Owasso High School bathroom.

The Tragic Incident

The 16-year-old student identified as nonbinary and preferred they/them pronouns. According to a video released by the police, Benedict reported that three girls, who had been teasing Benedict and some friends, physically attacked them after Benedict poured water on them.

Following the altercation, Benedict’s mother called emergency services to their home the next day, reporting shallow breathing, rolling eyes, and curled hands. The situation escalated quickly, leading to Benedict’s untimely passing.

Community Support

Matt Blancett, who helped organise the vigil with the Rainbow Connection, stressed the importance of holding the event in McAlester, referring to the 2020 murder of Dustin Parker, a transgender man. Blancett highlighted the need for solidarity within the community.

Massachusetts activists have also expressed their condolences and emphasised the importance of protecting LGBTQ+ and Indigenous youth nationwide. Reggie Alkiewicz, from the North American Indian Center of Boston, shared heartfelt words in memory of Nex.

Seeking Justice

Audio recordings of the call to the police reveal Benedict’s mother’s desire to press charges. However, initial investigations indicated a mutual altercation, complicating the legal proceedings.

Despite initial suspicions of felony murder, the preliminary autopsy results suggested that Benedict’s passing was not a direct result of the physical altercation. The police department is awaiting toxicology reports for further insights.

Future Vigils

Additional vigils are scheduled in various Oklahoma cities this weekend, and similar events have been or will be held in states such as California, Washington, Minnesota, New Jersey, Texas, and New York.

The nation mourns the loss of Nex Benedict, a vibrant young soul taken too soon. The vigils serve as a reminder to cherish and protect all members of the LGBTQ+ and Indigenous communities.

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