Tragic Death of Non-Binary Teen Sparks Controversy and Investigation in Oklahoma High School
In a heartbreaking incident that unfolded at Owasso High School in Oklahoma, a non-binary, gender-fluid student named Nex Benedict lost their life following a physical altercation in the school’s bathroom. The incident, which occurred on February 7th, has raised serious questions about the school’s handling of the situation and the overall safety of LGBTQ+ students.
The altercation took place when Nex, who used they/them pronouns, entered the girls’ bathroom accompanied by another transgender student. They encountered three older girls, leading to a heated exchange that turned physical. The school claims that the incident lasted only two minutes before other students and a staff member intervened. However, during the altercation, Nex suffered a blow to the head and ended up on the floor.
Shockingly, despite Nex’s injuries, no one at the school thought to call an ambulance. The school instead suspended Nex for two weeks and contacted their grandmother, Sue Benedict, who rushed to the scene. Upon arrival, Sue was devastated to see Nex’s battered face. She immediately took them to Bailey Medical Center for examination and they were subsequently released. It’s important to note that the police were not informed about the incident until Nex’s grandmother reached out to them.
Nex complained of a sore head but went to bed as they normally did after being bullied, seeking solace in music. However, tragedy struck the next morning when Nex suddenly collapsed. An ambulance was called, rushing them back to the hospital, but sadly, Nex did not survive. The exact cause of death is still under investigation by the state Medical Examiner’s Office.
The devastating loss of Nex has sparked outrage and demands for justice. The Owasso Police have released a statement assuring the community that they are taking the incident seriously and conducting a thorough investigation. Detectives will be interviewing school staff and students over the next two weeks, with the intention of submitting their findings to the Tulsa County District Attorney’s Office for review and potential prosecution.
A funeral was held on February 15th to honor Nex’s memory, with local police and the Bikers Against Child Abuse providing an escort from the funeral home to the Ridgelawn cemetery. However, notable absences were observed, including Governor Kevin Stitt and Ryan Walters, the state superintendent of public schools. This absence has only added fuel to the fire, as both Stitt and Walters have faced criticism for their stance on LGBTQ+ issues.
Walters, in particular, has made controversial statements in the past. Last year, he released a divisive video describing being transgender as “an assault on the truth” and expressing concern about the inclusion of gender theory in schools. He even appointed Chaya Raichik, a staunchly anti-trans influencer, to a state library advisory board. Raichik has been known to target LGBTQ+ individuals within the school system and has been associated with threats and harassment.
The tragedy of Nex’s death has highlighted the urgent need for better protection and support for LGBTQ+ students. It is clear that the well-being of these students should be the priority for educators and policymakers. The loss of Nex serves as a painful reminder that more needs to be done to create inclusive and safe environments for all.
As investigations continue and the community mourns the loss of Nex, it is essential that we remember them for who they truly were. Sue Benedict, Nex’s grandmother, acknowledged her own grief and apologized for using Nex’s deadname in the funeral home’s obituary. She urged compassion and understanding, emphasizing that Nex respected others’ choices and that they should be treated with the same respect in return.
The tragedy of Nex Benedict’s death serves as a wake-up call for schools and policymakers alike. It is a stark reminder of the consequences of negligence and discrimination towards LGBTQ+ students. As the investigation unfolds, we can only hope that justice will be served and that meaningful changes will be made to ensure the safety and well-being of all students.
