Owasso PD: Teen's death not 'a result of trauma'
OWASSO, Okla. (KFOR) - The Owasso Police Department says an initial report from the State Medical Examiner indicates the 16-year-old nonbinary student who died one day after a 'physical altercation' in a school bathroom "did not die as a result of trauma."
Nex Benedict died on Feb. 8 following an fight at Owasso High School on Feb. 7.
Benedict’s mother, Sue, told The Independent she was called to the school after Nex and a transgender friend had been in a fight with three older students in a girls’ bathroom.
According to police, the school nurse recommended that Nex Benedict visit a medical facility for further examination.
Benedict was treated and released, but was rushed to St. Francis Pediatric Emergency Room the next day where they later died.
While the investigation continues into the altercation. preliminary information from the medical examiner’s office is that a complete autopsy was performed and indicated that the decedent did not die as a result of trauma. At this time, any further comments on the cause of death are currently pending until toxicology results and other ancillary testing results are received. The official autopsy report will be available at a later date.
Owasso Police Department
As the investigation continues, many have expressed concern over whether the student’s identity played a factor in the fight and their subsequent death.
Sue told The Independent the teen had been dealing with bullies over identity issues since the beginning of 2023.
“I just want my child back,” Sue told Tulsa Public Radio.
“We want to be clear, whether Nex died as a direct result of injuries sustained in the brutal hate-motivated attack at school or not, Nex’s death is a result of being the target of physical and emotional harm because of who Nex was,” said Freedom Oklahoma. “This harm is absolutely related to the rhetoric and policies that are commonplace at the Oklahoma Legislature, the State Department of Education, and the Governor’s office, with regard to dehumanizing 2STGNC+ people.”
We at this time are thankful for the ongoing support and did not expect the love from everyone. We are sorry for not using their name correctly and as parents we were still learning the correct forms. Please do not judge us as Nex was judged, please do not bully us for our ignorance on the subject. Nex gave us that respect and we are sorry in our grief that we overlooked them. I lost my child, the headstone will have correct name of their choice. The rest of monies will go to other children dealing with the right to be who they feel they are, in Nex Benedict’s name. God bless.
Sue Benedict via the GoFundMe created for Benedict
2SLGBTQ+ affirming crisis support is available through the Trans Lifeline (877-565-8860), the Trevor Project (call 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678-678), the Rainbow Youth Project (317-643-4888), and the LGBT Hotline (888-843-4564).