Vigils were held in various locations across the country to honor the life of Nex Benedict, a 16-year-old nonbinary student from Oklahoma who tragically passed away following a fight at Owasso High School. Benedict, who used they/them pronouns, was involved in an altercation with three girls in a school bathroom after reportedly being targeted for bullying. The incident escalated when the girls attacked Benedict, leading to a confrontation that resulted in Benedict pouring water on them.
Following the altercation, Benedict's mother called emergency responders to their home the next day, reporting shallow breathing and other concerning symptoms. Despite efforts to save Benedict, the teenager tragically passed away.
Vigils were organized in cities such as Boston, Minneapolis, and Huntington Beach, California, to remember Benedict and raise awareness about the impact of bullying and discrimination. Community members and LGBTQ+ organizations came together to mourn the loss and advocate for greater support and acceptance.
During the vigils, speakers emphasized the need for continued activism and support for the LGBTQ+ community, highlighting the challenges faced by individuals in Oklahoma and beyond. The tragic loss of Benedict has reignited calls for action and solidarity within the community.
At a vigil in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, the president of TahlEquality expressed the trauma caused by Benedict's death and emphasized the importance of providing mental health support for those in need. Licensed therapists were made available at the event to offer assistance and guidance to attendees.
In McAlester, Oklahoma, a vigil organized by the Rainbow Connection brought together community members to remember Benedict and honor the memory of Dustin Parker, a transgender man who was murdered in 2020. The gathering served as a reminder of the importance of unity and support within the LGBTQ+ community.
While investigations into the altercation at Owasso High School are ongoing, preliminary autopsy results suggest that Benedict's death was not directly caused by injuries sustained during the fight. Authorities are awaiting toxicology reports and further analysis to determine the exact cause of death.
As the community continues to mourn the loss of Nex Benedict, the call for justice, equality, and support for LGBTQ+ individuals grows stronger, with advocates and allies vowing to keep fighting for a more inclusive and accepting society.
