Sign up with Fox News to unlock exclusive content. Get special access to select articles and premium content at no extra cost when you create an account. Just enter a valid email address to get started. By signing up, you agree to Fox News’ Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, including our Notice of Financial Incentive. Follow the instructions sent to your email to access the content. If you encounter any issues, click here for help.
The tragic passing of a nonbinary student following a confrontation in an Oklahoma high school bathroom has sparked national outrage and drawn criticism from the White House. The Owasso Police Department is still investigating the death of 16-year-old Nex Benedict, which occurred on February 8. The state medical examiner has determined the cause of death to be suicide. Nex’s family has stated that their child faced bullying at school due to their nonbinary identity. A full report on Benedict’s death is expected on March 27.
The White House Press Secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, spoke about the preliminary autopsy report, describing Benedict’s death as “devastating.” She reiterated the president’s message that every young person has the right to be themselves and to feel safe and supported in their school and community. Jean-Pierre emphasized that bullying is entirely unacceptable and stressed the importance of taking bullying reports seriously.
Researchers have debated the existence of ‘rapid onset gender dysphoria,’ challenging the prevailing narrative against it. A photo of Nex Benedict, taken outside their family’s home in Owasso, Oklahoma, in December 2023, accompanies this story. The state medical examiner’s office confirmed Nex’s death by suicide on March 13, 2024.
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please reach out to the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
The Benedict family, through their attorney, has stated that while Nex’s death was ruled a suicide, there are significant details in the report that should not be overlooked. They aim to clarify these details before the full medical examiner’s report is publicly released, especially those that dispute the claim that the assault on Nex was minor. The family shared that Nex suffered non-lethal head and neck injuries, including contusions, lacerations, and abrasions. An abrasion on Nex’s chest, consistent with CPR, was also noted.
The family’s attorney called for schools, administrators, lawmakers, and communities to unite in preventing such tragedies. They advocate for reforms that foster respect, inclusion, and grace in school environments to eliminate bullying and hate.
Amidst this tragedy, LGBTQ+ advocates have pointed to gender identity-based bullying and harassment as contributing factors to Nex’s death. They criticize the rhetoric and policies of Oklahoma Republicans, including legislation against cross-sex hormone therapy or sex-reassignment surgery for minors. Freedom Oklahoma demands the resignation of Ryan Walters, Oklahoma’s superintendent of public instruction, for his comments on gender identity.
Walters, however, believes that the left has politicized Benedict’s death. He argues that some have used the tragedy to push a political agenda, despite claims that the school fight was not directly related to Nex’s death.
Students have shared their experiences of bullying at the school, highlighting the fear and intimidation they face. The Oklahoma Medical Examiner’s report indicates that Nex died from an overdose of Prozac and Benadryl, following the altercation in the school bathroom.
In a hospital video, Nex recounted the fight, describing how it escalated after they poured water on the students mocking them. Nex described being attacked and eventually blacking out during the altercation.
The day after Nex’s death was confirmed as a suicide, the White House expressed its condolences. President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden shared their heartbreak over the loss. The president emphasized the importance of supporting nonbinary and transgender youth and addressing discrimination and the suicide crisis affecting these communities.
Bullying is harmful, and the president urged parents and schools to take bullying reports seriously. This story includes contributions from The Associated Press.