**Key Takeaways:**
– A 10th-grade student from Oklahoma, Nex Benedict, tragically ended their life following a school altercation, with the state medical examiner confirming suicide as the cause.
– Nex, who identified as nonbinary, became the focus of national attention, sparking vigils across the US amid concerns over a hostile climate towards the LGBTQ+ community.
– The Rainbow Youth Project USA reported a significant spike in crisis calls from Oklahoma, leading to the formation of a rapid response team to address the surge.
– The Owasso Police Department highlighted the importance of the Oklahoma Mental Health Lifeline for individuals in crisis.
– An investigation by the US Department of Education into the school district’s response to the alleged harassment of Nex has been initiated.
– A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to support Nex’s family during this difficult time.
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In a heartrending incident last month, the life of a 10th grader from Oklahoma, Nex Benedict, came to a tragic end the day following a school fight, an event that an autopsy confirmed as suicide. Nex, who embraced a nonbinary identity, became the center of a nationwide outcry, with their passing on February 8 in Owasso igniting vigils across the country. This widespread mourning underscored the increasingly hostile environment faced by the LGBTQ+ community.
In the aftermath of this tragedy, the Rainbow Youth Project USA, dedicated to preventing suicide among LGBTQ youth, informed CNN of a staggering 238% increase in crisis calls from Oklahoma. This surge compelled the organization to establish a rapid response team specifically for Oklahoma, with a focus on Owasso, to manage the overwhelming influx of calls.
The Owasso Police Department, in response to early evidence, declared the incident a suicide but awaited confirmation from the medical examiner before publicizing this conclusion. They seized this moment to remind anyone facing a crisis or contemplating suicide of the resources available, including the Oklahoma Mental Health Lifeline, accessible by calling or texting 988.
Further developments saw the release of body camera footage from February 7 by the Owasso Police Department, capturing a conversation between Nex and their guardian in a hospital following the altercation at Owasso High School. Nex recounted the events leading up to the fight, detailing how a seemingly innocent interaction escalated into violence.
In light of these events, the US Department of Education announced the initiation of an investigation into whether the school district failed to respond adequately to the alleged harassment faced by Nex. Owasso Public Schools, notified of the investigation, has pledged cooperation with federal officials, asserting the baselessness of the complaint filed by HRC.
Amidst these unfolding events, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support Nex’s family, offering a means for the community to extend their condolences and support during this time of unimaginable loss.