Nex Benedict: Non-binary student who died after Oklahoma bathroom assault was a ‘shining light’
The death of non-binary Oklahoma student Nex Benedict after they were allegedly beaten up by three older kids in a school bathroom has led to an outpouring of grief and anger from their family and the LGBTQ community.
On 7 February, Nex suffered severe head injuries during a “physical altercation” in a bathroom at Owasso High School, according to the Owasso Police Department.
Nex’s mother Sue Benedict told The Independent they were badly beaten in a fight with three older students in a bathroom and hit their head on the floor.
Nex collapsed at home the next day and was later pronounced dead in hospital. The exact cause of death is currently unknown.
Owasso Public Schools officials said in a statement they did not call for medical help or notify police about the fight, based on district protocols.
On Monday, the Owasso Police Department said they were interviewing staff and students at Owasso High School, and were awaiting toxicology and autopsy reports from the medical examiner’s office before deciding whether to lay charges.
On Wednesday 21 February, police that an autopsy had been completed which indicated Nex had not died as a result of
