Nex Benedict, a 16-year-old non-binary student from Owasso High School in Oklahoma, tragically passed away on February 8, 2024, have a look at their cause of death and parents
Nex Benedict passed away after being brutally beaten by peers in a school restroom. The incident occurred on February 7 and Nex succumbed to their injuries the following day after being admitted to the hospital.
Who is Nex Benedict as Owasso High School Oklahoma student dies after fight, cause of death, bio, age, family, parents, gender
The authorities at Owasso High School reportedly did not report the incident to the police until after age 16 Nex Benedict was hospitalized. According to a police report, a school resource officer was made aware of the physical altercation only after Nex’s mother reported the incident to the authorities. The police are still investigating the cause of Nex’s death and are awaiting medical reports.
Like many, Sue Benedict and her husband Walter at times struggled to understand the nuances of Nex’s gender fluidity. Ms Benedict is Nex’s biological grandmother, and raised them since they were two months old along with her five other children and formally adopted Nex a few years ago.
Nex brutally murdered in the girl’s restroom and according to local news outlets and family, Benedict was beaten by three older female students. The mother of Benedict’s best friend told KJRH News that “one of the girls was pretty much repeatedly beating [Benedict’s] head across the floor.”
Reports say Benedict was unable to take themselves to the nurse’s office after a teacher finally intervened in the brutal assault and for reasons that remain unclear, Owasso High School refused to call an ambulance for 16-year-old Nex Benedict, who died from their injuries in the hospital the next day. A motive for this killing has not been shared by law enforcement, but we know that schools in Oklahoma have been specifically pushing violent eliminationist rhetoric against transgender and non-binary youth, a fact exemplified by the state’s hiring of Chaya Raichik following her incitements of terror against the state’s schools over LGBTQ+ rights.
Grieving the loss of Nex Benedict, a Cherokee non-binary child murdered at Owasso high school, beaten so badly they couldn't walk to the nurses office. No one called emergency services. No investigation. Our Native LGBTQ, Indigiqueer, and Two Spirit relatives deserve better.
— Dr. BlackDeer (@DrBlackDeer) February 20, 2024
Nex Benedict, who also goes by the name ‘Dagny,’ was described by their mother, Sue Benedict, as an animal lover. Nex had a pet cat named Zeus and was known for being tough yet a great kid. Friends and family gathered at Mowery Funeral Service Chapel on February 15 for a memorial service to honor Nex’s life.
RIP Nex Benedict. You were a light shining in the dark hallways of that Owasso, OK high school. pic.twitter.com/O0X8rZGMYT
— Stephinitely ☮️✌️ (@WhyRWeHere99) February 20, 2024
Community support and fundraiser
A GoFundMe fundraiser was initiated on February 10 to cover Nex’s funeral expenses. The fundraiser, which raised over $27,000, highlighted the community’s support and empathy towards Nex and their family during this difficult time.
The tragic death of Nex Benedict has raised questions about the safety and well-being of students, particularly those who identify as non-binary or gender non-conforming. It serves as a reminder of the importance of creating a safe and inclusive environment for all students in schools.
The Owasso Public Schools released a statement expressing condolences to Nex’s family and stating that they are cooperating with the authorities in their investigation. The community has come together to mourn the loss of Nex Benedict and to advocate for justice in this tragic case.
Nex Benedict was a 16 yo non binary student in Oklahoma who was murdered in the girls bathroom by fellow students. No teachers or staff called the authorities to help Nex after they initially survived the attack. This is the world Oklahoma elected leaders and Ryan Walter’s want. pic.twitter.com/3wgP8kpGRi
— Hayden Clarkin (@the_transit_guy) February 19, 2024
Nex Benedict’s story has touched the hearts of many, highlighting the importance of compassion, understanding, and acceptance for all individuals, regardless of their gender identity. As the community comes together to mourn Nex’s passing, they also stand united in their commitment to ensuring a safer and more inclusive environment for all students.