Nex Benedict : Oklahoma School Under Federal Probe After Teen Death

Owasso High School Mourns the Loss of Nex Benedict

Tragedy struck Owasso High School when 16-year-old Nex Benedict passed away a day after a fight inside a girls’ toilet. Family members have revealed that Nex had been a victim of bullying, which they believe may have led to the tragic outcome.

Nex, who identified as non-binary and used they/them pronouns, was involved in a physical altercation on February 8. While the police have not disclosed the cause of death, they have confirmed that it was not a result of injuries sustained during the fight.

Investigation Launched into Allegations of Harassment

The Human Rights Campaign raised concerns about sex-based harassment within Owasso Public Schools, prompting the Department of Education’s Office For Civil Rights to initiate an investigation. The letter addressing the investigation did not mention Nex specifically but highlighted the district’s alleged failure to respond appropriately to harassment.

Despite the district dismissing the allegations as unsupported, they have pledged to cooperate with federal officials in the investigation.

Call for Justice and Safety in Schools

Human Rights Campaign president Kelley Robinson urged swift action from the Department of Education to ensure justice for Nex and create safer environments for all students. The incident has sparked conversations about bullying, harassment, and discrimination in schools.

Nex’s mother, Sue Benedict, has spoken out about the physical injuries Nex sustained in the fight, involving a transgender pupil and three older girls. The school district maintains that the altercation was swiftly broken up by students and staff.