Preliminary findings from the Owasso Police Department reveal that the recent death of Nex Benedict, a 16-year-old “non-binary” student at Owasso High School in Oklahoma, was not a result of physical “trauma.” The death followed a fight between Benedict and other students in the school’s girls’ restroom. Statements issued late Wednesday confirm Benedict’s death was not directly linked to injuries sustained in the incident.
“At this time, any further comments on the cause of death are currently pending until toxicology results and other ancillary testing results are received,” police said. “The official autopsy report will be available at a later date.”
Benedict, who identified as gender-fluid, was involved in a physical dispute with three older female students on February 7 inside the girls’ restroom. School staff broke up the confrontation, and all parties were escorted to the school’s administration office for health evaluations. Although no immediate need for medical transport was identified, the school nurse advised Benedict to seek further medical evaluation. On the evening of February 8, the student suddenly collapsed and subsequently died at St. Francis Pediatric Emergency Room in Tulsa.
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding Benedict’s death is ongoing, with the Owasso Police Department interviewing school staff and students. Once completed, investigators plan to submit their findings to the Tulsa County District Attorney’s office. The final autopsy report detailing the cause of Benedict’s death will be available at a later date. Meanwhile, a funeral for Benedict was held on February 15, with an escort from local police and members of Bikers Against Child Abuse. Details about the other students involved in the altercation remain undisclosed due to confidentiality policies for juveniles.
Benedict’s death has become a cause célèbre among LGBT activists, who seized on the notion that she died due to injuries sustained in the fight.
