Accident – Death – Obituary News :
Tragic Incident at an Oklahoma High School
In a heartbreaking turn of events, more than two dozen people gathered at All Saints Episcopal Church in McAlester, Oklahoma, for a vigil in memory of Nex Benedict, a 16-year-old nonbinary teenager who tragically passed away following a fight in a high school bathroom.
The emotional gathering was organized by the McAlester Rainbow Connection and was just one of many vigils scheduled across the country to honor the life of Nex Benedict, who identified as nonbinary and used they/them pronouns.
Community Support and Solidarity
Matt Blancett, a member of the LGBTQ+ group Rainbow Connection, emphasized the importance of coming together as a community in the wake of this tragedy. “It shows people that we have a community, we are here, we’re not going anywhere,” Blancett stated.
All Saints Priest Janie Koch echoed this sentiment, urging individuals to reach out for support during difficult times. “It is very very important as the gamut of emotions are cycling to watch out for each other, to be mindful of one another,” Koch emphasized.
Investigation and Seeking Justice
Following the tragic incident, Benedict’s mother expressed a desire to file charges, but the responding officer indicated that the altercation may be viewed as a mutual fight. Subsequently, Benedict’s mother opted not to press charges at that time.
A police search warrant revealed that investigators collected evidence from the school where the altercation took place, including photographs, swabs of stains, and records of the students involved. While initial autopsy results suggest that Benedict’s death was not directly linked to injuries sustained in the fight, the police department is awaiting further toxicology reports.
Unity Across States
In addition to the vigils held in Oklahoma, communities in states such as California, Washington, Minnesota, New Jersey, Texas, and New York have also come together to show support and solidarity for Nex Benedict and their loved ones.
.