Owasso, Okla. — In a heartbreaking turn of events, the death of 16-year-old Nex Benedict, a nonbinary student from Oklahoma, has shaken communities nationwide. As authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Nex’s passing, questions regarding bullying, LGBTQ+ rights, and school policies loom large.
Here’s what we know so far:
WHO WAS NEX BENEDICT?
Nex Benedict, a sophomore at Owasso High School, identified as nonbinary and used they/them pronouns. Described by family members as a compassionate individual with a love for reading, cooking, and video games, Nex was a straight-A student known for their kind demeanor and resilience in the face of adversity. They lived with their biological grandmother Sue Benedict and her husband, Walter, who raised Nex since they were an infant and formally adopted them a few years ago.
THE ALTERCATION AT SCHOOL
The events leading to Nex’s death began with a physical altercation in the school’s bathroom on February 7. School administrators report that Nex, along with a friend who identifies as a transgender student, was involved in a fight with three female students while in the girl’s bathroom. The altercation, believed to be a result of ongoing bullying directed at Nex due to their gender identity, left Nex with visible injuries, prompting concerns among family members. The fight lasted roughly two minutes before fellow classmates began to break them up followed by the aid of a school staffer who had been outside of the bathroom in the hallway. Nex and the other students involved were directed to the assistant principal’s and nurse’s offices, where they provided their statements. Although the school nurse assessed the situation and concluded that no one required immediate medical attention, she still advised that Nex be transported to a medical facility for further evaluation police report.
According to messages obtained by local outlet Fox23, Nex informed a family member, “I was attacked at school by three individuals and had to go to the ER.” When asked about their condition, Nex mentioned having “some scrapes and bruises” and expressed concern about a possible concussion if they experienced dizziness or nausea in the morning. Nex explained that the altercation occurred because they and their friends had been subjected to bullying,“They had been bullying me and my friends and I got tired of it so I poured some water on them and all 3 came after me.”
NEX'S TRAGIC PASSING
Following the altercation, Nex was taken to Bailey Medical Center for examination by their family. Despite Nex reporting injuries, including scrapes and bruises, and expressing concern about a possible concussion, the severity of their condition wasn’t fully recognized and Nex was discharged from the medical center. Later that evening, Nex retired to bed with a headache, eventually drifting off to sleep while enjoying music, recounted their grandmother, Ms. Benedict.
The following afternoon, on February 8th, Nex was preparing to accompany Ms. Benedict to Tulsa for an appointment when suddenly they collapsed in the family’s living room. Ms. Benedict swiftly contacted emergency services, prompting the arrival of medics from the Owasso Fire Department. Tragically, upon their arrival, Nex was found to have ceased breathing. Subsequently, Nex was rushed to the St. Francis Pediatric Emergency Room, where they were ultimately pronounced deceased.
Police said on February 21 that a preliminary autopsy showed Nex did not die as a result of trauma. “At this time, any further comments on the cause of death are currently pending until toxicology results and other ancillary testing results are received,” the department said in a statement. “The official autopsy report will be available at a later date.”
SCHOOL DISTRICT RESPONSE AND LEGISLATIVE CLIMATE
Owasso Public Schools has refrained from sharing additional details, citing an ongoing police investigation and privacy laws. Nex’s death has drawn attention to the hostile legislative environment in Oklahoma, with lawmakers passing stringent anti-trans measures. The state’s Superintendent of Public Schools, Ryan Walters, has been criticized for his stance on LGBTQ+ issues, contributing to a culture of intolerance in schools and in regard to Nex’s passing said “radical leftists” had created a narrative about the death that “hasn’t been true.”
In his initial interview addressing Nex Benedict’s death, Walters maintained his stance on gender, asserting that there are only two genders as ordained by a divine power, and expressing disbelief in the existence of nonbinary or transgender individuals. He reiterated that Oklahoma schools would not accommodate students using preferred names or pronouns that deviate from their birth sex.
“I really see there’s a civil war going on, where the left is really fighting for the soul of our country,” he said. “They are undermining the very principles that made this country great, our Judeo-Christian values and our traditions in this country.” Getting back to those values and traditions, he added, “that’s what will unify us.”
As the head of Oklahoma’s public school system, Mr. Walters, is ultimately in charge and has been one of the loudest voices in the state seeking to prevent discussion and promotion of L.G.B.T.Q. issues in schools. At 38 years old, Mr. Walters has become a polarizing figure in Oklahoma, frequently engaging in direct verbal confrontations with school districts, teachers’ unions, and at times, individual educators whom he has accused of promoting “pornography” or “radical gender theory” in public schools. Walters has exerted pressure on educators across various districts to resign, including a teacher who staged a protest against the censorship of certain books and an elementary school principal who participated in drag performances outside of school hours.
Criticism of Mr. Walters has largely centered on his recent decision to appoint Chaya Raichik to a state committee. Ms. Raichik, known for sharing anti-gay and anti-transgender content on her X account, Libs of TikTok, now serves on a committee responsible for assessing the suitability of books in school libraries. Nicole McAfee, executive director of Freedom Oklahoma, an organization advocating for transgender and gay rights, condemned Walters, stating, “Ryan Walters has fostered an overwhelmingly hostile environment for trans, two-spirit, and gender-nonconforming students.”
IMPACT ON LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY AND CRISIS RESPONSE
Nex’s tragic passing has led to a surge in distress calls to LGBTQ+ crisis hotlines, with many youth expressing fear, bullying, and concerns over discriminatory legislation. Advocates have condemned Oklahoma’s anti-LGBTQ+ laws and policies, holding lawmakers and officials accountable for fostering an environment of hostility and violence.
According to the Indiana-based nonprofit, which offers LGBTQ+ mental health crisis counseling through the national 988 hotline, they received 349 calls from Oklahoma between February 16 and 20 alone. This figure starkly contrasts with the average of 87 calls per week the hotline typically receives from Oklahoma prior to Benedict’s passing.
Among those who reached out to the hotline from Oklahoma, 69% expressed distress specifically related to Benedict’s death, the Rainbow Youth Project reported. Additionally, 85% of callers disclosed experiencing bullying either at school or online, with 79% expressing fear for their physical safety. Notably, over 10% of callers were either students or parents of students at Owasso High School, where Benedict excelled academically.
Lance Preston, founder and executive director of the Rainbow Youth Project, highlighted the significant shift in the reasons behind young LGBTQ+ individuals seeking crisis support since the hotline’s inception in 2022. Preston noted that while parental rejection and fears about coming out were once predominant concerns, the current top reasons for calls include feelings of government and school hostility, such as restrictions on restroom use and book access.
At a recent hearing, Oklahoma City council member Sean Cummings directly addressed the state Board of Education and Superintendent of Public Schools Ryan Walters, holding them accountable for the situation. Cummings accused them of empowering the individuals responsible for Benedict’s assault, asserting that their actions contributed to an environment where being different is increasingly challenging for students.
MOVING FORWARD
The investigation into Nex’s death is ongoing, with authorities awaiting autopsy and toxicology reports. Nex’s family is pursuing legal action while grappling with their grief. Their attorney’s released a statement on February 21 saying that “the family is independently interviewing witnesses and collecting all available evidence.”. Authorities also said they have reviewed and plan to release video captured by hallway cameras that show Nex before and after the fight, NBC News reported.
The outpouring of support, including a significant fundraising effort, reflects a collective determination to honor Nex’s memory and advocate for safer, more inclusive environments for LGBTQ+ youth. A family friend has established a GoFundMe to help cover funeral expenses. The fundraiser is under Nex’s deadname, which the family has since apologized for.
As we mourn Nex’s untimely passing, it’s crucial to confront the systemic issues that contributed to this tragedy and work tirelessly to create a world where every individual feels respected, valued, and safe, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation.
