Article Summary –
Nex Benedict, a 16-year-old student from Owasso High School in Oklahoma who identified as non-binary, died following a fight at school on February 7. Nex’s mother, Sue Benedict, claimed that her child was bullied due to his gender identity, causing his death to become a focal point for LGBTQ activists amid legislation targeting the community in Oklahoma and across the US. The cause of Nex’s death has not been confirmed, with preliminary autopsy results suggesting it wasn’t the result of trauma and a toxicology exam still pending.
Tragedy Strikes as Owasso High School Student Nex Benedict Dies
OWASSO, Okla. — Senior student Ally at Owasso High School recalls the final interaction with Nex Benedict was a simple “happy birthday” wish. Nex succumbed to death following a school fight on February 7, Ally’s birthday. Nex, a victim of bullying due to gender identity, has now become a symbol for LGBTQ activists amidst the consideration of numerous bills targeting the community nationwide.
Identifying as they/them, Ally, who prefers to use only their first name, cherished a close friendship with Nex. “The moment I met Nex, it felt like a bond of years,” stated Ally, adding that Nex had a spirited and fun-loving nature.
Nex mainly identified with he/him pronouns at school, but they/them pronouns were also used by his family and friends, Ally added. According to preliminary autopsy findings released by the Owasso Police Department, trauma was not the cause of Nex’s death. A full autopsy report, including toxicology results, is awaited.
The department recently shared videos that provide a snapshot of the day before Nex’s death. In one video, Nex describes an attack by three students after he retaliated against their bullying behavior.
Nex, known among friends as “Roach” or “Roachie”, was an artistic soul, remembered Ally. They mentioned that the news of a student’s death following a fight immediately made them think of Nex as he had informed friends about the fight in a group chat.
Ally shared memories of Nex at a vigil held at Redbud Festival Park in Owasso. Tyler Wrynn, a teacher at the Owasso 8th Grade Center, recalled Nex’s vibrant personality and his protective nature towards friends. “Nex was a fiery kid,” Wrynn said. “He would light up a room and jump to defend any of his friends if they were getting picked on.”
Regarding Nex’s identity in the LGBTQ community, Sue Benedict, Nex’s mother, indicated that Nex didn’t identify strictly as male or female, but rather saw himself in the middle.
Robin Gray, Nex’s on-and-off boyfriend, remembered Nex beyond his transgender identity at the vigil. He shared memories of home-cooked meals by Nex. Spencer, Nex’s partner, credited Nex for his support in coming out as gay.
Anna Richardson, who organized the vigil, stressed the importance of honoring Nex and providing a platform for the community to grieve. Ally expressed their longing for the lively Nex and their denial in accepting his absence.
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