Accident – Death – Obituary News : :quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/VGJNPD6R7W5FSZG3KO6PHV2LTE.jpg)
EDMOND, Okla. — (AP) — A tragic incident shook the community of Oklahoma as more than two dozen people gathered at All Saints Episcopal Church in McAlester for a vigil in memory of Nex Benedict, a nonbinary teenager who passed away following a fight in a high school bathroom.
Vigil for Nex Benedict
The emotional vigil was organized by the McAlester Rainbow Connection, highlighting the impact of the loss felt by the community. This event was one of two vigils held on a Friday night in Oklahoma, with many more scheduled across the country in the coming days.
Tragic Loss of Nex Benedict
Nex Benedict, a 16-year-old student from Oklahoma, tragically lost their life the day after a distressing altercation in a bathroom at Owasso High School. Identified as nonbinary and using they/them pronouns, Benedict faced bullying and violence from three girls, leading to the fatal incident.
Community Support and Strength
Matt Blancett, alongside the Rainbow Connection, emphasized the importance of the vigil in McAlester, drawing parallels to the murder of Dustin Parker, a transgender man in 2020. The gathering aimed to show solidarity and support for the LGBTQ+ community in the face of adversity.
Priest Janie Koch from All Saints encouraged individuals to seek out support and look out for one another during times of grief and turmoil.
Investigative Developments
Following the incident, Benedict’s mother expressed a desire to press charges, but authorities indicated a mutual fight scenario due to the circumstances. The police department conducted a thorough investigation, including collecting evidence from the school premises where the altercation took place.
While initial reports suggested a potential felony murder investigation, preliminary autopsy results indicated that Benedict’s death was not directly caused by the fight. The police await further toxicology reports to determine the exact circumstances leading to the tragedy.
Nationwide Support
The outpouring of support extended beyond Oklahoma, with vigils planned in various cities across the country. States such as California, Washington, Minnesota, New Jersey, Texas, and New York have witnessed or are set to host events in remembrance of Nex Benedict and to raise awareness about the importance of acceptance and inclusivity.
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