RELATED STORIES
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
The Tragic Incident in Edmond, Oklahoma
Vigils took place across the nation for an Oklahoma teenager who tragically passed away the day after a fight in a high school bathroom in Edmond, Oklahoma, where the nonbinary student said they were a target of bullying.
Nex Benedict, a 16-year-old who identified as nonbinary and used they/them pronouns, got into an altercation with three girls in an Owasso High School bathroom who were picking on Benedict and some friends. The girls attacked Benedict for pouring water on them, the teen told police in a video released Friday.
Nationwide Vigils Held in Honour of Nex Benedict
Benedict’s mother called emergency responders to the family home the day after the fight, saying Benedict’s breathing was shallow, their eyes were rolling back, and their hands were curled, according to audio released by Owasso police.
Vigils for Benedict were held in Oklahoma and locations across the country, including Boston, Minneapolis, New York, and Huntington Beach, California in the days following the student’s death. The outpouring of support from communities near and far highlighted the impact of bullying and the need for greater acceptance and understanding.
LGBTQ+ Community Speaks Out Against Bullying
Many of the gatherings were organized by LGBTQ+ groups to protest against the frequent bullying suffered by nonbinary teens. Benedict’s family says Nex was bullied at school, shedding light on the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ youth in educational settings.
At a vigil in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, the president of TahlEquality emphasised the traumatic nature of Benedict’s death and the importance of providing support for those struggling with their identity and facing discrimination.
The events served as a platform for the LGBTQ+ community to advocate for inclusivity, support, and understanding in the face of adversity.
Community Support and Call for Justice
More than two dozen people gathered at All Saints Episcopal Church in McAlester, Oklahoma, for a vigil organised by the McAlester Rainbow Connection. The community came together to mourn the loss of Benedict and to show solidarity with the LGBTQ+ population.
Calls for justice echoed through the vigils, as attendees sought accountability for the bullying that Benedict experienced. The events aimed to raise awareness of the consequences of intolerance and to promote a more inclusive and compassionate society.
Investigation and Moving Forward
In the aftermath of Benedict’s passing, investigations were launched to determine the circumstances surrounding the altercation at Owasso High School. While initial findings indicated that Benedict’s death was not directly linked to the fight, the community remains committed to seeking justice and preventing similar tragedies in the future.
The tragic loss of Nex Benedict has sparked a renewed sense of activism and advocacy within the LGBTQ+ community, inspiring individuals to speak out against discrimination and promote acceptance and understanding for all.
.