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OWASSO, Okla. — Nonbinary Owasso Student Nex Benedict, 16, died a day after a fight inside the high school restroom. A summary autopsy report ruled the cause of death as suicide from Benadryl and an Antidepressant known as Prozac.
According to the preliminary report Nex did not die as a direct result of trauma from the fight at school, however there are many people still demanding answers into what happened leading up to the death of Nex.
The Benedict family released a statement through their attorney. In it they provide a summary of the medical examiner’s findings which have not been released yet. They believe the results contradict any allegations of the assault on Nex being insignificant. The full report has not been released by the medical examiner to the public, but the family listed non lethal trauma accounts to the head, neck, torso as well as other extremities.
“The Benedicts continue to call on our schools, administrators, lawmakers, and communities to come together to prevent any other family from having to suffer through the heartache now borne by Nex’s loved ones,” the statement reads.
Owasso Investigation is Ongoing after Examiner Report
Owasso Police Department issued a statement on Facebook stating from the beginning they observed many indications that Nex died as a result of suicide, however the investigation will not confirm that information without the final results being presented by the medical examiner’s office.
Many people are frustrated by how long it is taking for information to come out from the Owasso Police Department and other authorities working the case. People have made their voices heard across the nation that although bullying wasn’t a direct physical cause toward Nex’s death, bullying was a definite factor that led up to this case happening.
Monday, Owasso Public Schools held its first school board meeting after Nex’s passing. Four people were removed from the room due to disruptions. There wasn’t anything specific about Nex mentioned in the meeting because their death was not on the agenda as it is an ongoing investigation. Still, students and residents shared statements of grief and loss, demanding change.
National Attention
National civil rights organizations such as ACLU and GLAAD, a media-monitoring organization, made ties to the death of Nex and anti-LGBTQ+ legislation that targets and attacks the community. The rhetoric from lawmakers in Oklahoma is what they claim to be a factor in encouraging violence.
(20+) GLAAD – Statement from GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis:… | Facebook
They are demanding investigations be made, some of which are already in the works.
The U.S. The Department of Education, Office for Civil rights opened an investigation into Owasso’s school district after a complaint was issued by the Human Rights campaign of “failure of Owasso High School to address documented instances of bullying, violence, and harassment.”
The Uvalde Foundation for Kids, a national nonprofit, launched its own assessment of bullying at the school while providing resources for students. The nonprofit was formed following the elementary school shooting in Texas. They are giving the school access to their 24 hour anti bullying & school crisis resource line: 877-780-8527.
The death of Nex Benedict sparked comments from the President and Vice President of the United States, Oklahoma’s Governor, and more.
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Owasso High School Protest
The streets were lined with rainbow umbrellas held by supporters of the organization Parasol Patrol. The organization aims to shield kids from hate and is based in Colorado, Denver. Both of the co-founders from Parasol Patrol held back tears while bringing up Nex’s name.
“Nex should still be here with us, should still be alive, and we’re just here to let other kids know that are in there that lost a classmate, the last thing they need right now is to see Westboro’s hate,” said Eli Bazan, Parasol Patrol co-founder.
What Parasol Patrol was shielding Owasso High School students from on March 6th was Westboro Baptist Church known for being conservative. Westboro does not want to see specific action, it’s about pushing an agenda from “person to person.”
Shirley Phelps-Roper was one of the seven protestors we interviewed, but her quotes were unusable. She continued to misgender Nex and quote scripture, saying that their protest was a warning for people to put away their “proud sin.”
What both sides could agree on was that bullying played a role in Nex’s passing.
Resources for LGBTQ+ Youth
The Oklahoma Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is 988, and the national suicide prevention hotline is (800) 273-8255.
Oklahomans for Equality also has 2SLGBTQIA+ programming for youth starting at 12 years old. The Events and Programs Director for OKEQ said his upbringing without a support system took him to a dark place and inspired him to make sure no other youth or person has to feel that way.
“I hope that the youth members of OKEQ walk away with education and knowledge about their journeys in The LGBTQIA community, the ups and downs and what you can do to make a difference,” Shay Brewer, OKEQ Events and Program Director, said. “That looks like voting, writing our legislators or even running for congress. Make your mark in this world and live your life. And as long as this building is standing, they will have a safe place to go.”
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