New information is coming to light after a 16-year-old high school student in Oklahoma died after they were jumped in the school bathroom.
According to NBC News, the fight occurred on February 7 at Owasso High School West Campus. Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation, Chuck Hoskin Jr., identified the victim as Nex Benedict.
Several reports reveal that the fight alleged lasted for less than two minutes before another student broke it up and they were sent to the office and the nurse. According to NBC News, all of the students involved walked to the nurses office “under their own power.”
However, out of an abundance of caution, the nurse advised the parents of one of the students to take them to the hospital for further evaluation. While at the hospital, the parent called the police to report the fight.
The following day, the teen had passed away. However, a new statement made by the Owasso Police revealed their preliminary findings showed that Nex did not die as a result of trauma, News on 6 reports.
“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.”
As NBC News reports, Nex was not a member of the Cherokee nation, but did live on the reservation. Hoskin has requested the help of the Owasso Police Department to investigate Nex’s death.
“The facts relating to Nex’s death are not yet fully clear,” Hoskin said in a statement. “The more we learn about Nex’s life, the more we come to know a wonderful child whose experience and identity mattered and was worth celebrating. Above all, Nex deserved to live a full life.”
“It was cut tragically short. May Nex rest in peace.”
In an interview with the Independent Nex’s mom claimed her teenaged child was bullied at school. Nex was reportedly bullied because of their gender identity.
On February 21, Nex’s family issued a lengthy statement:
“On February 7th, 2024, the Benedict Family sent their child, Nex Benedict, to Owasso High School, trusting, like any parent or family member should be able to, that it was a safe environment for their loved one. Millions of parents across America make the same decision each and every morning. While at Owasso High School, Nex was attacked and assaulted in a bathroom by a group of other students.
A day later, the Benedict’s beautiful child lost their life. Many of the questions posed by friends, family, media and other concerned citizens are also top of mind for those left to honor Nex’s memory. While various investigations are still pending, the facts currently known by the family, some of which have been released to the public, are troubling at best.
We urge those tasked with investigating and prosecuting all potentially liable parties to do so fully, fairly and expediently. Notwithstanding, the family is independently interviewing witnesses and collecting all available evidence. The Benedict Family calls on all school, local, state and national officials to join forces to determine why this happened, to hold those responsible to account and to ensure it never happens again.
The family graciously accepts and appreciates the outpouring of support, thoughts and prayers from across the nation for the loss of their child. In the coming weeks and months they request that their privacy be respected and that they be allowed to grieve and deal with their new reality—a life without Nex. The Benedicts know all too well the devastating effects of bullying and school violence, and pray for meaningful change wherein bullying is taken seriously and no family has to deal with another preventable tragedy.
Lastly, the family asks that any threats, or acts, of violence, against students, employees and personnel, or any other persons associated with the Owasso Public Schools, cease immediately.“
Nex’s causes of death has not been made public. However, in a statement provided by the school revealed “speculation and misinformation” regarding the case had intensified.
“We understand the importance of ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for all students and know that the information below doesn’t change the facts that a fight occurred on school grounds and a student passed away the next day,” the statement said.
This is a developing report.
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