Tragic Death of Transgender Teen Sparks Outrage and Calls for Justice in Oklahoma
In a devastating turn of events, the death of transgender teenager Nex Benedict has sparked outrage and calls for justice in Oklahoma. Nex was a 16-year-old student at Owasso High School who had been the victim of relentless bullying due to their transgender identity. The situation escalated to a tragic level on February 7th when Nex suffered severe head injuries during a physical altercation at school. Despite their mother, Sue Benedict, rushing to the school, Nex did not receive the immediate medical attention they needed. Instead, they were suspended for two weeks. The consequences of this incident would prove to be fatal.
Nex’s mother, Sue Benedict, expressed her fury at the school’s lack of action, stating that they failed to call an ambulance or the police. She took Nex to the Bailey Medical Center for treatment, where they spoke to a police school resource officer. Tragically, the following day, Nex collapsed in their family’s living room and stopped breathing. Despite the efforts of emergency medical technicians, Nex was declared dead in the hospital.
The Owasso Police Department is currently conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Nex’s death. They are awaiting the results of toxicology and autopsy reports before determining whether anyone will be charged. Nick Boatman, a spokesperson for the Owasso PD, stated that “all charges will be on the table” once a cause of death is confirmed.
LGBTQ advocacy groups have labeled Nex’s death as a hate crime, linking it to the hateful rhetoric promoted by leaders in Oklahoma and social media influencer Chaya Raichik. Raichik, known for her inflammatory videos on the Libs of TikTok account, has been accused of posting edited, anti-trans content that targets public school teachers and librarians. One of Nex’s beloved teachers resigned in 2022 after being featured in one of Raichik’s posts. However, Raichik denies any responsibility for Nex’s death and claims she is being unjustly blamed.
Nex’s family has been supportive of their gender identity from an early age. Sue Benedict, Nex’s grandmother and legal guardian, acknowledged that it took time for her and her husband Walter to understand the nuances of Nex’s gender fluidity. However, they always respected Nex’s identity and encouraged open discussions within the family. Nex’s sister, Malia Pila, who is also a member of the LGBTQ community, emphasized that Nex’s fluid gender identity was never an issue within their family.
Described as a straight-A student with a passion for drawing, reading, and playing video games, Nex had a bright future ahead of them. Their mother expressed immense pride in their achievements and saw them as a free-spirited individual who was “going places.” Nex’s tragic death has left their family in a state of shock and profound grief.
The role of social media influencer Chaya Raichik in promoting anti-LGBTQ sentiments has come under scrutiny. Raichik’s posts have been linked to numerous threats against schools, libraries, hospitals, and businesses across multiple states. Despite this, she was appointed to Oklahoma’s library advisory committee by the state’s Republican superintendent of public schools, Ryan Walters. LGBTQ advocacy group Freedom Oklahoma has blamed both Raichik and Oklahoma lawmakers for fostering intolerance towards transgender students.
Nex’s death has reignited the conversation surrounding the importance of acceptance and support for transgender individuals. It serves as a painful reminder of the consequences of bullying and the urgent need for better protection of LGBTQ students in schools.
In the wake of Nex’s passing, their mother intends to donate most of the funds raised through a GoFundMe campaign to LGBTQ anti-bullying organizations. She wants to ensure that Nex’s light continues to shine and that their dreams are remembered by all.
The funeral for Nex Benedict was held on February 15th at Mowery Funeral Service, where family, friends, and community members paid their respects. Police officers from Owasso and Collinsville provided an escort from the service to the graveside, accompanied by the local chapter of Bikers Against Child Abuse.
Nex’s death has sent shockwaves through the community, prompting calls for justice, awareness, and change. It serves as a stark reminder that every individual deserves respect, acceptance, and the freedom to be who they truly are.
