Accident – Death – Obituary News :
Heartfelt Candlelight Vigils Held in Various Cities Across the Country
WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) – The recent passing of Nex Benedict, an Oklahoma high school student, has left communities across the nation in mourning. Candlelight vigils have been organized in cities far and wide to honour the memory of this young individual.
One such gathering took place in Wichita on a serene Sunday night, where dozens of community members came together at the iconic Keeper of the Plains. Sharing their thoughts and offering heartfelt condolences, the attendees paid their respects to Benedict and the life that was tragically cut short.
Remembering Nex Benedict: A Tragic Loss
Nex Benedict, a 16-year-old who bravely identified as nonbinary, passed away on February 8 following an altercation in their school’s bathroom. Just a day prior, Benedict found themselves in a distressing situation with three girls, leading to a physical confrontation.
In a chilling account given to a police investigator from a hospital bed, Benedict recounted how the altercation unfolded. The teen shared that the girls had targeted them after a minor incident involving water, escalating into a violent encounter.
Community Support Shines Through
As the news of Benedict’s passing spread, the community’s response has been nothing short of overwhelming. Riley Chiever, a vigil attendee, encapsulated the sentiment by stating, “Nex was one of us.” This outpouring of support serves as a beacon of hope during these dark times.
Jackie Carter, a senior pastor at Table of Hope, aptly remarked, “Sometimes it takes a tragedy for some other person to decide that’s enough.” The hope now is that this tragedy will spark action and unity among those affected by discrimination and bullying.
Advocacy for LGBTQ+ Rights
While an official cause of death is yet to be determined, Benedict’s family has revealed that the teen faced relentless bullying for their nonbinary identity. This revelation has prompted members and advocates of the LGBTQ+ community to rally together, shedding light on the importance of acceptance and understanding.
The Owasso Police Department in Oklahoma has stated that preliminary autopsy results did not indicate that Benedict’s passing was a direct result of injuries sustained during the altercation. This revelation underscores the need for further investigation and awareness surrounding the circumstances of Benedict’s untimely demise.
.