Tragic Death of Nonbinary Student Sparks Investigation into School Fight
In a heartbreaking turn of events, the death of 16-year-old nonbinary student Nex Benedict has raised concerns about bullying and the treatment of LGBTQ+ students in schools. On February 8th, just a day after getting into a fight at Owasso High School in Oklahoma, Benedict tragically passed away. The incident has sparked a nationwide conversation about the safety and well-being of marginalized students within educational institutions.
Authorities have recently stated that Benedict’s death was not caused by injuries sustained during the school fight. A preliminary autopsy report by the medical examiner’s office revealed that trauma was not the cause of death. Owasso police have emphasized that further comments on the cause of death will be pending until toxicology results and other ancillary testing results are received. The official autopsy report will be released at a later date.
While the exact details surrounding the fight remain undisclosed, Benedict’s family has asserted that their child was attacked and assaulted by a group of students in a school bathroom. The family, represented by their legal team, spoke out about the incident, stating, “While at Owasso High School, Nex was attacked and assaulted in a bathroom by a group of other students.” The family’s legal team also expressed their grief, saying, “A day later, the Benedicts’ beautiful child lost their life.”
Authorities are currently conducting an investigation into the fight, and once completed, the findings will be turned over to the district attorney’s office to determine if charges are warranted. It is unclear what led to the brawl, but Benedict’s family has mentioned that their child faced harassment due to their nonbinary identity. This tragic event has shed light on the importance of addressing bullying and supporting LGBTQ+ students within educational institutions.
According to reports, Benedict messaged a family member about the fight, sharing the distressing experience with them. The teen revealed that they had been bullied at school and had decided to stand up for themselves. “They had been bullying me and my friends, and I got tired of it so I poured some water on them, and all 3 came after me,” one of the texts read. Benedict’s bravery in standing up against their bullies is a testament to the strength and resilience of marginalized students.
Although Benedict was able to walk away from the bathroom fight initially, they were later taken to the hospital by their family due to a “medical emergency.” Tragically, Benedict did not survive, passing away after reaching the hospital. Benedict’s mother spoke out about the incident, expressing her anguish over her child’s injuries. She revealed that Benedict had bruises all over their face after the fight with three older girls at Owasso High School.
The school has not made any official comments regarding the incident or the allegations of harassment made by Benedict’s family. It remains to be seen how the school will respond to these accusations and what steps they will take to address the safety and well-being of their students.
In the wake of this devastating loss, it is crucial for schools and communities to come together to promote inclusivity, acceptance, and support for marginalized students. The tragic death of Nex Benedict should serve as a wake-up call for educational institutions nationwide to prioritize the safety and mental health of all students, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation. It is our collective responsibility to create an environment where all students can thrive and feel safe. Only through education, empathy, and understanding can we prevent future tragedies like this from occurring.
Our hearts go out to Nex Benedict’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult time. May their memory be a catalyst for change and progress in our society, ensuring that no student has to endure bullying or discrimination based on their identity. Together, we can create a future where every student feels valued, loved, and protected in their pursuit of education.
