By Comet Ziemer
16 year old high school sophomore in Oklahoma Nex Benedict was beaten by 3 girls in their school’s bathroom in a bullying incident on Feb 7 . Nex, who identified as non-binary and two spirit, collapsed at home the following day and died later in the hospital. This death comes after Oklahoma signed into law that children in schools must use the bathroom that matches with their biological gender.
According to Nex’s friends and family, Nex loved Minecraft, their cat, and was a straight A student. Nex’s grandmother, Sue, who adopted them, spoke to The Independent about Nex and their identity.
“Nex did not see themselves as male or female. Nex saw themselves right down the middle. I was still learning about it, Nex was teaching me that,” Sue said. “I was so proud of Nex. They were going some place, they were so free.”
According to Sue and Nex’s friend who was with them in the bathroom, there were many events that led to Nex not getting the help they needed. They apparently were refused from seeing the school nurse and was suspended the same day. Their grandmother took them to the hospital, where they were discharged shortly after. Nex collapsed at home the next day and was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Nex had been dealing with excessive bullying since early 2023, according to their grandmother. And after much complaining, the school refused to do anything about the bullies and refused to help Nex.
Nex’s family is currently collecting witness evidence to try and find justice for their lost loved one.
beniciapaw.com 