Nex Benedict, the 16-year-old Oklahoma student, tragically passed away one day following an altercation in a high school restroom, as revealed by the state’s medical examiner on Wednesday.
According to the summary report, Benedict, who identified as nonbinary and preferred they/them pronouns, succumbed to the combined toxicity of two different medications.
“From the beginning of this investigation, Owasso Police observed many indications that this death was the result of suicide,” the Owasso Police Department said in a statement after the report was published. “However, investigators did not wish to confirm that information without the final results being presented by the Oklahoma Medical Examiners Office.”
The day prior to their passing, Benedict was involved in a confrontation in the girls’ restroom at Owasso High School. Subsequently, a school nurse directed Benedict to the hospital, where they reported being harassed by three girls. Benedict’s response involved throwing water at the girls, escalating the situation into a physical altercation.
Following the altercation, Benedict’s mother contacted emergency services the subsequent day, expressing concern over Benedict’s shallow breathing, rolled-back eyes, and curled hands, as per audio recordings released by Owasso police.
A preliminary autopsy report concluded that Benedict’s demise was not a result of injuries sustained during the altercation.
Benedict’s untimely death has sparked rallies and vigils across U.S. cities, from New York to Los Angeles, serving as a poignant reminder of the ongoing dangers and discrimination faced by the LGBTQ+ community.
