Owasso, Oklahoma — Newly released body camera footage has shed light on the tragic death of Nex Benedict, a nonbinary 16-year-old student who passed away shortly after a physical altercation at Owasso High School. The footage shows the teen describing the events leading up to the fight with several students in a school bathroom during an interview with authorities at the hospital.
According to the video released by the Owasso Police Department, Nex Benedict poured water on three students who were mocking how they and their friends laughed and dressed. The altercation escalated quickly, with the teen blacking out during the physical confrontation. Nex Benedict recounted being overwhelmed by the three students, leading to injuries sustained during the incident, ultimately resulting in their passing on February 8, a day after the fight.
During the interview with police, Nex Benedict expressed feeling antagonized by the group of students in the days leading up to the altercation. Despite the ongoing harassment, the teen did not approach school administrators but had confided in their mother about the situation.
Law enforcement officials advised the family on the legal implications of the incident, highlighting that both parties involved could be viewed as victims and suspects due to the nature of the altercation. The investigation into Nex Benedict’s death is ongoing, with authorities awaiting the results of toxicology tests to determine the exact cause of death.
The tragic event has sparked a nationwide conversation on anti-LGBTQ bullying, with Vice President Kamala Harris expressing her condolences to the family and LGBTQ youth. Calls for federal investigations into potential violations of LGBTQ student protections have been made by advocacy groups, aiming to shed light on the circumstances surrounding Nex Benedict’s untimely passing.
In response to the incident, local organizations and LGBTQ groups have organized vigils across the state and country to honor Nex Benedict’s memory. Additionally, a student walkout against bullying is planned at Owasso High School to raise awareness about the importance of addressing harassment and creating a safe environment for all students. The family of Nex Benedict is urging officials at all levels to address the issue of bullying seriously to prevent future tragedies.
As the investigation continues and the community mourns the loss of Nex Benedict, the story serves as a poignant reminder of the impact of bullying and the importance of creating inclusive spaces in schools for all students.