Nex Benedict : “Tragic Death of Indigenous Owasso Student Sparks Outcry”

Accident – Death – Obituary News :

Tragic Incident in Owasso, Oklahoma

OWASSO, Oklv. – The tragic death of a 16-year-old Indigenous high school student from Owasso has sent shockwaves across the nation. Nex Benedict, a non-binary student at Owasso High School, passed away on Feb. 8 following a school fight that took place the day before. The incident has sparked a national conversation about violence against non-binary individuals and the importance of creating a safe environment for all students.

Details of the Incident

According to a report from the Owasso Police Department, Benedict was involved in a fight at the Owasso High School West Campus on Feb. 7. The altercation, which involved several juveniles, was broken up by students and school staff. Despite being examined by a school nurse, Benedict was not immediately taken to the hospital. Tragically, Benedict collapsed at home the following day and was later pronounced dead at St. Francis Pediatric Emergency Room.

Family’s Response

Initially, Benedict’s birth name was used in official statements by the family. However, after realizing the mistake, Benedict’s grandmother and legal guardian, Sue Benedict, issued a statement acknowledging the error and expressing regret for not respecting Nex’s chosen name and identity. The family’s attorney has called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Benedict’s death.

National Outcry

The news of Nex Benedict’s death has garnered national attention, with leaders such as U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt offering their condolences. LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations, including GLAAD, have called for justice and action to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The incident has highlighted the need for greater awareness and support for non-binary individuals in educational settings.

Investigation and Response

As investigators continue to gather information about the incident, the Benedict family has spoken out about the bullying and discrimination Nex faced at school. Calls to support LGBTQ+ youth and prevent bullying have increased, prompting the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to provide resources for mental health support and crisis intervention. A GoFundMe campaign has raised over $149,000 for the Benedict family, with plans to donate the funds to anti-bullying organizations.

Overall, the tragic death of Nex Benedict has shed light on the challenges faced by non-binary individuals and the importance of creating inclusive and supportive environments for all students.

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