Tragedy struck the community of Owasso, Oklahoma, as news surfaced of the untimely death of Nex Benedict, a 16-year-old student who identified as non-binary. The incident, which occurred on February 7th at Owasso High School, reportedly involved an assault in the girls’ bathroom, according to local outlet KJRH.
Nex’s mother, Sue Benedict, recounted that her child was allegedly attacked by three older girls in the bathroom, resulting in Nex being knocked to the ground, sustaining head injuries. Another transgender student was also reportedly targeted in the same incident. Despite the altercation being broken up by fellow students and a bathroom attendant within two minutes, Nex suffered significant injuries.
Although the Owasso Police Department stated that ambulance services weren’t deemed necessary by school officials, Sue Benedict found Nex with bruises and scratches upon her arrival at the school. Allegedly, the school neither called the police nor an ambulance for Nex and proceeded to suspend them for two weeks.
The gravity of the situation escalated when, on February 8th, Nex collapsed at home, prompting Sue Benedict to call for an ambulance. Tragically, by the time emergency medical technicians arrived, Nex had stopped breathing. They were pronounced dead later that evening at the hospital.
In response to the incident, the Owasso Police Department assured the public of their commitment to a thorough investigation, with interviews ongoing and plans to submit findings to the Tulsa County District Attorney’s Office for review. The final cause of Nex’s death will be determined by the State Medical Examiner’s Office.
Meanwhile, the school expressed condolences to Nex’s family and emphasized their dedication to providing support and fostering a safe environment for all students. Sue Benedict, in a statement on GoFundMe, expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support and pledged to honor Nex’s memory by advocating for the rights of children to express their true selves.
The tragedy has reignited discussions around bullying and LGBTQ+ rights, especially in the wake of reported bullying Nex faced since early 2023, coinciding with the passage of anti-trans bathroom legislation in Oklahoma. LGBTQ+ advocacy groups have labeled Nex’s death a “hate crime,” citing the harmful rhetoric perpetuated by state leaders. PinkNews sought further comment from representatives of Owasso High School and the Owasso Police Department.
As investigations continue, the community mourns the loss of Nex Benedict, a young individual whose life was cut short amidst a backdrop of prejudice and intolerance.
