Vigils Held Nationwide for Oklahoma Teenager Who Died After High School Bathroom Fight
The nation was rocked by the tragic death of Nex Benedict, a 16-year-old nonbinary student from Owasso High School in Oklahoma. After being involved in a fight in a high school bathroom, Benedict passed away the following day, sparking vigils and outpourings of grief across the country.
Bullying and Targeting
The altercation took place when Benedict encountered three girls who were picking on them and their friends. The fight escalated when the girls attacked Benedict after they poured water on them. In a video released by the police, Benedict recounted the incident, stating that they were targeted due to their nonbinary identity.
A Nationwide Response
The news of Benedict’s passing spread quickly, prompting vigils to be organized in various cities across the nation. Locations such as Boston, Minneapolis, and Huntington Beach, California, held vigils to honor and remember Benedict’s life. Additionally, other states, including Washington, New Jersey, New York, and Texas, planned or held their own memorial events.
A Call for Action
During the vigil in Huntington Beach, Kanan Durham, the executive director of Pride at the Pier, emphasized the importance of not letting this tragedy be forgotten. They stated that the community has experienced similar grief far too many times before. The vigil in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, organized by TahlEquality, also emphasized the traumatic impact of Benedict’s death. To support those in attendance, licensed therapists were made available at the event.
Speaking Out and Fighting Back
Sanj Cooper from TahlEquality spoke about the challenges faced by the LGBT+ community in Oklahoma and the prevalence of suicide ideation and thoughts. Cooper expressed that Benedict’s passing has reinvigorated the community’s determination to fight for their rights and have their voices heard. They emphasized that instead of silencing them, this tragedy has only made their voices louder.
Uniting in Grief
In McAlester, Oklahoma, the McAlester Rainbow Connection organized a vigil at All Saints Episcopal Church. Matt Blancett, a member of the LGBTQ+ group, stressed the importance of showing the community’s presence and solidarity, particularly in light of the murder of Dustin Parker, a transgender man, in 2020. The vigil aimed to highlight that the community is strong and resilient.
Seeking Justice and Support
Benedict’s mother, Sue Benedict, called emergency responders to their home the day after the fight, expressing concern over their shallow breathing and physical symptoms. Sue Benedict initially wanted to file charges against those involved in the altercation. However, after speaking with the police, she decided to address the issues at Owasso High School rather than pursue legal action.
Investigation and Autopsy Results
Police obtained a search warrant and collected evidence from the school, including photographs of the bathroom where the fight occurred and swabs of stains. While the initial search warrant indicated that police were investigating a felony murder, the department clarified that Benedict’s death was not directly caused by injuries sustained during the fight. The police are awaiting toxicology and other autopsy results before making further comments on the cause of death.
Remembering Nex Benedict
As the nation mourns the loss of Nex Benedict, their story serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle against bullying and discrimination faced by nonbinary individuals and the wider LGBT+ community. The vigils held nationwide provide solace and support to those affected while igniting a renewed determination to fight for justice and equality. Together, let us honor Nex Benedict’s memory and work towards a future free from hate and violence.
