Owasso High School in Oklahoma witnessed the sudden death of one of its students, 16-year-old Nex Benedict, a non-binary teen, following a school altercation.
Initial fears that head injuries sustained during the fight led to Nex's demise have been dispelled by the police.
Nex's family, who disclosed their non-binary identity, expressed deep sorrow over the loss. The incident, which unfolded in a school bathroom, involved Nex and a transgender student confronting three older girls. Nex's mother, Sue Benedict, shared the emotional incident, saying, "I didn't know how bad it had gotten."
Contrary to early assumptions, preliminary autopsy reports indicate that Nex's death was not a direct result of injuries from the altercation. The Tulsa community remains on edge as investigators await toxicology results and ancillary tests to establish an official cause of death.
"While at Owasso High School, Nex was attacked and assaulted in a bathroom by a group of other students. A day later, the Benedicts' beautiful child lost their life," stated Nex's family, shedding light on the harrowing sequence of events.
Nex's mother, Sue, lamented the tragedy and appealed for understanding, stressing the importance of respecting differences. A fundraiser has been initiated to support funeral expenses, with Sue urging compassion amid grief.
School officials reported a swift resolution to the restroom altercation, with students involved escorted to administrative offices for examination. However, questions linger about the circumstances leading to Nex's deteriorating health after leaving the school premises.
As investigators delve into the details, Police Lt. Nick Boatman affirmed that all possible charges, including hate crimes, are under consideration. The tragic incident raises concerns about the safety of students, prompting a broader conversation about bullying and accountability.
In the wake of Nex's passing, Governor Kevin Stitt acknowledged the tragedy, stating, "The death of any child in an Oklahoma school is a tragedy - and bullies must be held accountable."
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