Accident – Death – Obituary News :
More than a dozen students staged a walkout on Monday at Owasso High School in Oklahoma, where a tragic incident occurred involving a 16-year-old nonbinary student who was beaten in a restroom and later passed away.
Protest Against Discrimination
Students and LGBTQ+ advocates gathered outside the school, holding signs that read “You Are Loved” and “Protect Queer Kids”. The protesters are demanding action against discrimination and bullying of transgender and gender nonconforming students in the wake of the death of Nex Benedict, a student at the school who identified as nonbinary.
Tragic Loss
Nex Benedict, who used they/them pronouns, tragically lost their life the day after a physical altercation with three girls inside a school restroom. Benedict had reportedly been a target of bullying at the school, according to their family.
GLAAD, an LGBTQ advocacy group, issued a statement expressing outrage over the treatment Nex endured, stating, “Students and families are out in force today having to demand the basics: to be safe from bullying and violence.”
Investigation Underway
While the cause of Benedict’s death has not been officially determined by the state medical examiner’s office, preliminary findings suggest that it was not directly related to the fight in the restroom. Police are currently investigating the incident and will provide their findings to the district attorney’s office for further action.
Vigils and Tributes
Vigils have been held in memory of Nex Benedict, both locally and nationally, following the news of their passing. The community has come together to honour the life of the young nonbinary student and to show support for the LGBTQ+ community.
As the investigation continues and the community mourns the loss of Nex Benedict, the call for justice and equality for all students grows stronger.
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