Nex Benedict was a 16-year-old non-binary student who died after a fight at their high school in Oklahoma. The case has sparked controversy and outrage over the possible role of bullying and discrimination in Nex’s death. The investigation is still ongoing and the cause of death is not yet confirmed.
Who was Nex Benedict?
Nex Benedict was born in 2008 in El Paso, Texas, and raised in Owasso, Oklahoma. Nex’s parents are Walter and Sue Benedict. Sue Benedict is Nex’s grandmother who raised Nex since they were two months old and adopted them in 2022. Nex had four sisters and two brothers. Nex’s mother is enrolled in the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma.
Nex used they/them pronouns and identified as gender expansive, an umbrella term that describes people whose gender identity expands beyond traditional gender norms, according to the National Institutes of Health. Nex was interested in art, music, and anime, and had a bright and creative personality, according to their family and friends.
What happened?
On February 7, 2024, Nex got into a fight with three freshman girls in the girls’ restroom at Owasso High School, where Nex was a sophomore. Nex told the police that they had been bullied by the girls for a week because of the way they dressed and their gender identity. Nex said they poured water on the girls and then the girls attacked them, pulling their hair and punching them. Nex fought back and threw one of the girls into a paper towel dispenser. The fight was broken up by a teacher and Nex was taken to the nurse’s office.
Nex’s mother, Sue Benedict, picked them up from school and took them to the hospital, where they were checked for a concussion and released. Nex seemed fine and went home with their mother. The next day, February 8, Nex was found unresponsive in their bed and pronounced dead at the hospital.
The police released the body cam footage of Nex’s interview with an officer at the hospital on February 7. The footage shows Nex explaining what happened and saying they were not seriously hurt. The officer also asks Nex about their vaping habit and their detention for having a vape pen at school.
Response to Nex’s death
Nex’s death shocked and saddened the Owasso community and beyond. The Owasso school district issued a statement expressing condolences to Nex’s family and friends and saying they were cooperating with the police investigation. The district also said they had no evidence of bullying or harassment against Nex and that they had policies and programs to prevent and address such issues.
However, many people questioned the district’s response and demanded justice for Nex. The LGBTQ+ community and anti-bullying advocates held vigils and rallies across the country to honor Nex and raise awareness about the violence and discrimination faced by gender-nonconforming students. They also called for the district to implement more inclusive and supportive measures for LGBTQ+ students and staff, such as gender-neutral bathrooms, anti-bias training, and curriculum reform.
The ongoing case
The police are still investigating the circumstances and the cause of Nex’s death. They said the preliminary autopsy report showed that Nex did not die from trauma, but they are waiting for the final report and the toxicology results. They also said they are reviewing the video of the fight and interviewing witnesses and suspects. They have not ruled out any possible charges or motives, including hate crime.
The legal implications and potential consequences for those involved in the case are unclear and depend on the outcome of the investigation. The family of Nex has hired an attorney and plans to conduct an independent investigation. They also said they want to hold those responsible accountable and to ensure that such a tragedy never happens again.
The impact of the case on the LGBTQ+ community in Oklahoma and nationwide is significant and lasting. The case has highlighted the challenges and risks faced by LGBTQ+ youth, especially those who are non-binary, in a state that has been ranked as one of the worst for LGBTQ+ rights and safety. The case has also inspired many people to speak out and take action for LGBTQ+ justice and equality, and to celebrate and support the diversity and dignity of all people.
Conclusion
The case of Nex Benedict is a tragic and complex one that has raised many questions and emotions. The investigation is still in progress and the truth is not yet fully known. The case has also exposed the need for more awareness and action to protect and respect LGBTQ+ students and people in general. The case has also shown the strength and solidarity of the LGBTQ+ community and its allies, who have honored Nex’s memory and advocated for their rights. The case of Nex Benedict is not over, and neither is the fight for LGBTQ+ justice.
