Nex Benedict: What we know about death of Oklahoma teenager
The teenager, who identified as non-binary, died after a fight in a school toilet. The cause of death remains under investigation.
What we know about the death of Nex Benedict
The death of Nex Benedict, a teenager from Oklahoma, has gained national attention following a fight at their school. Nex Benedict, who was non-binary and used they/them pronouns, passed away a day after the altercation in a school toilet. The cause of death has not been officially determined, and the exact details of what happened in the bathroom remain unclear.
Incident at the school
On February 7, Nex Benedict was involved in a physical altercation in a toilet at Owasso High School. Other students and a member of the school staff intervened to break up the fight. The school stated that the students were in the bathroom for less than two minutes. Security footage showed that after the fight, Benedict was able to walk around the building. The school decided that an ambulance was not necessary, but the school nurse recommended further medical checks as a precaution [1].
Account of the incident
In bodycam footage released by the police, Nex Benedict is seen awake and alert, reclining on a bed at the hospital, and giving an account of what happened. According to their statement, three girls had picked on them and their group in the bathroom, mocking them because of the way they dressed. Benedict responded by throwing water on the girls. This led to a fight where Benedict was beaten on the ground before blacking out.
Investigation and cause of death
The police investigation into Nex Benedict's death is ongoing. The police statement mentioned that medics were sent to Benedict's home the day after the fight due to a medical emergency. Benedict was rushed to the hospital but unfortunately passed away. The preliminary autopsy information suggests that the teenager did not die as a result of trauma, but the exact cause of death is yet to be determined. The police are awaiting the results of toxicology and other test results before commenting further [1].
Reaction and calls for action
Nex Benedict's death has sparked vigils across the United States, with people mourning their loss. An online fundraiser has been set up to cover funeral costs and has raised over $150,000. The Benedict family's lawyer has called for a thorough investigation into the incident and for those responsible to be held accountable. The school district expressed its commitment to a safe and inclusive environment for all students and stated that it takes reports of bullying seriously.
Context and concerns
Advocacy groups have highlighted the increased hostility faced by members of the LGBT community, fueled by state laws and rhetoric. Campaigners have criticized laws in Oklahoma that restrict transgender students from using school toilets and changing rooms that do not align with their sex at birth. The reaction to Nex Benedict's death has prompted discussions about the importance of creating safe and supportive environments for all students.
Conclusion
The death of Nex Benedict, a teenager from Oklahoma, following a fight at their school has drawn national attention. The cause of death is yet to be officially determined, and the investigation is ongoing. The incident has sparked discussions about bullying, school safety, and the treatment of transgender students. Vigils have been held in their honor, and there are calls for a thorough investigation and accountability