Nex Benedict : “Oklahoma Police: Nonbinary Teen’s Death Not From High School Fight Injuries”

A heartbreaking incident at a high school in Oklahoma has left the community reeling after the death of a 16-year-old student following an altercation in a school restroom. The incident, which may have been prompted by bullying over the student’s gender identity, has raised serious concerns about the safety and well-being of LGBTQ+ students in schools.

The victim, identified as Nex Benedict, was a nonbinary student who used they/them pronouns. While the cause of death has not yet been determined, preliminary autopsy results suggest that the teen did not die as a result of injuries sustained in the fight.

Family Alleges Harassment Due to Gender Identity

According to Benedict’s family, the student had been facing harassment because of their nonbinary identity. The family released a statement saying that Nex was attacked and assaulted in a bathroom by a group of other students at Owasso High School. The family believes that the altercation led to the tragic loss of their child.

Despite being able to walk out of the bathroom after the fight on February 7, Benedict was later taken to the hospital by their family. Tragically, the following day, paramedics were called to the home for a medical emergency, and Nex Benedict passed away at the hospital.

Investigation and Calls for Justice

Authorities in Owasso are currently investigating the incident, interviewing staff and students at the school to gather more information about what transpired. Police have not disclosed what led to the fight, but they are working to determine if any charges should be filed in connection with the incident.

The tragic death of Nex Benedict has raised concerns about the safety of LGBTQ+ students in schools, particularly in the wake of several anti-transgender laws passed in Oklahoma in recent years. These laws have targeted transgender and nonbinary individuals, further exacerbating the challenges faced by these communities.

Community Mourns the Loss

The death of Nex Benedict has deeply impacted the community, with many expressing their sorrow and calling for justice for the student. Governor Kevin Stitt and his wife offered their condolences to Nex’s family, classmates, and the Owasso community, emphasizing the need to hold bullies accountable for their actions.

As the investigation into the incident continues, many are calling for a thorough examination of the circumstances surrounding Nex Benedict’s death and for measures to be taken to ensure the safety and well-being of all students, regardless of their gender identity.