Nex Benedict, age 16, tragically succumbed to her injuries the day following a heated dispute at Owasso High School in northeastern Oklahoma on February 8.
Nex, who self-identified as nonbinary, informed their family that they and three others were involved in an altercation with a transgender pupil.
Key Points
- Tragic Loss of Nex Benedict: The death of 16-year-old Nex Benedict, who identified as nonbinary, one day after a school altercation has sparked an investigation, raising concerns about the safety of LGBTQ+ students.
- Bullying and LGBTQ+ Rights: Nex’s family alleges a history of bullying, shedding light on the challenging environment faced by LGBTQ+ students, especially in a state where controversial legislation targeting their rights has been enacted.
- Advocacy for Inclusive Environments: Nex’s death underscores the critical need for comprehensive investigations into incidents involving LGBTQ+ students, fostering inclusive and safe spaces to prevent such tragedies in the future.
The Owasso police have initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Nex’s death, which has left the community in mourning and advocacy organizations highlighting a hostile environment towards the LGBTQ+ community.
Concerns have been expressed regarding the safety and effects of bullying on LGBTQ+ students, particularly in a state where contentious legislation has been enacted to restrict their rights.
The assertion made by Nex’s family that the adolescent had endured torment for more than a month heightens apprehensions regarding the repercussions of such antagonistic environments.
Although the incident is currently under investigation by the Owasso police, preliminary autopsy results indicate that Nex’s demise was not caused by trauma.
However, the complete autopsy report and toxicology results are still awaited. Sue Benedict, the guardian and biological grandmother of Nex conveyed her concern by reporting that Nex sustained severe physical abuse throughout the altercation. Although she acknowledged Nex had been subjected to bullying, she confessed she was not cognizant of its severity.
The incidents preceding Nex’s demise encompass a physical altercation that transpired in a school restroom on February 7, which resulted in Nex receiving a medical examination recommendation.
Notwithstanding the claim made by Nex’s guardian regarding the absence of prompt medical attention, no ambulance was dispatched; consequently, a parent transported Nex to the hospital. Unfortunately, Nex expired the next day at home and was pronounced deceased at the hospital after being rushed there.
Early details of the incident are described in the family’s statement as “at best troubling,” underscoring the need for a thorough and impartial investigation.
Nex’s demise has been labeled by LGBTQ+ advocates as a possible hate crime, with the hostile rhetoric directed at the community in Oklahoma being linked to the incident.
Amid the backdrop of discriminatory legislation, including a 2022 “bathroom bill” mandating that students utilize facilities that correspond to their birth certificates, the tragedy unfolds.
In addition, the executive order of the governor emphasized the importance of distinguishing people by their sex at birth as opposed to gender identity.
The LGBTQ+ community, advocacy groups, and concerned citizens are demanding a comprehensive examination of the circumstances and those responsible as the investigation continues.
The demise of Nex serves as a poignant illustration of the critical urgency to cultivate secure and inclusive atmospheres that accommodate every student, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
