Nex was attacked by three older girls, resulting in head injuries, Nex's adoptive grandmother says.
A 16-year-old non-binary student, Nex Benedict, reportedly succumbed to injuries a day after an alleged assault at an Oklahoma school on February 7, The Pink News reported.
The Owasso Police Department, alerted by Nex's adoptive grandmother, Sue Benedict, began an investigation into the reported altercation, which took place in a school bathroom.
Details reveal that Nex was rushed to Bailey Medical Center in Tulsa County on two occasions: the first after the alleged fight and the second which led to his tragic passing due to a subsequent medical incident.
The police clarified the uncertainty about the connection between the two incidents. Sue Benedict claimed Nex was attacked by three older girls, resulting in head injuries.
The Owasso Police Department, led by Chief Dan Yancey, expressed concern about the incident and assured a thorough investigation. Sue claimed the school did not immediately inform the police or seek medical assistance, but instead suspended Nex for two weeks. Police agreed to interview school staff and students while awaiting autopsy results.
Nex, reportedly subjected to harassment since 2023, faced additional challenges due to the anti-trans bathroom bill signed by Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt and harassment directed at a teacher who supported it.
LGBTQ+ advocacy group Freedom Oklahoma called Nex's death a “hate crime,” condemning the state's divisive rhetoric. The investigation continues with condolences extended to Nex's family and the community by the Owasso Police Department.
