by In a tragic incident at an Oklahoma high school, a 16-year-old student tragically passed away the day after an altercation in a school restroom. The incident, which may have been sparked by bullying related to the student’s gender identity, has left the community in shock and mourning.
Background Information:
The incident took place in Owasso, a suburban community in the Tulsa area. The victim, Nex Benedict, identified as nonbinary and used they/them pronouns. Despite initial speculation, police have confirmed that the cause of death was not directly related to injuries sustained in the fight.
Investigation Details:
Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the altercation. Detectives are interviewing school staff and students to gather more information about what transpired in the restroom. While the exact details of the fight remain unclear, Benedict’s family has indicated that the student had experienced harassment due to their nonbinary identity.
Family Statements:
In a heart-wrenching statement released by their attorney, Benedict’s family revealed that the teen was attacked and assaulted by a group of students in the school restroom. The family described Nex as a beautiful child who tragically lost their life as a result of the altercation.
Community Response:
The devastating loss of Nex Benedict has prompted an outpouring of grief and support from the community. The family has set up a GoFundMe page to help cover funeral expenses, and messages of condolence continue to pour in from friends, classmates, and well-wishers.
Legal Ramifications:
Authorities have indicated that they will be forwarding the results of their investigation to the local district attorney to determine if any charges should be filed. Questions have been raised about the possibility of the incident being classified as a hate crime, with police stating that all options are on the table.
In a statement, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt expressed his condolences to Benedict’s family and emphasized the need to hold bullies accountable for their actions. The tragic incident has once again highlighted the importance of creating safe and inclusive environments for all students, regardless of their gender identity.
