Oklahoma Governor Urges Transparency in Death of Owasso High School Student
In a tragic turn of events, the death of 16-year-old Nex Benedict, a student at Owasso High School in Oklahoma, has sparked a call for transparency from Governor Kevin Stitt. Benedict, who identified as nonbinary and used “they/them” pronouns, passed away on February 8, one day after an altercation with other students at the school.
Governor Stitt expressed his condolences to Benedict’s family, classmates, and the Owasso community. He emphasized the importance of holding bullies accountable and called upon the Owasso Police and Owasso Public Schools to be forthcoming and transparent with the public during the investigation.
The death of any child in an Oklahoma school is a tragedy, and it is crucial that the circumstances surrounding Benedict’s death are thoroughly examined. The governor’s plea for transparency reflects the need for open communication between law enforcement, the school, and the public.
The Owasso Police Department has been actively investigating the incident and served a search warrant at the school following Benedict’s death. The initial report from the Medical Examiner indicates that Benedict did not die as a result of trauma related to the altercation at the school. However, toxicology results and further testing are pending, and a complete autopsy report will be released at a later date.
The case has garnered national and international attention, with multiple protesters gathering in Oklahoma City to demand accountability from State Superintendent Ryan Walters. While Benedict’s death was not on the State Board of Education’s agenda, the incident may be addressed during public comment.
Superintendent Walters expressed his condolences for the tragedy and urged caution in passing judgment before all the facts are known. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing the security and safety of students and assured that investigations would be conducted thoroughly.
The family’s attorney released a statement detailing the events leading to Benedict’s death. According to their attorney, Benedict was attacked and assaulted by a group of other students in a bathroom. The family is calling on officials at all levels to join forces in investigating the incident, holding those responsible accountable, and preventing future tragedies.
Owasso Public Schools has faced scrutiny over its response to the altercation. The school maintains that disciplinary action was taken, and all students involved were evaluated by a nurse. It was determined that no students required ambulance service, although Benedict’s parent was advised to seek further medical examination.
The ACLU of Oklahoma issued a statement highlighting the assault as a consequence of hateful rhetoric and discriminatory legislation targeting trans youth. They called for an open and thorough investigation into reports that the school failed to respond appropriately to the altercation.
The investigation into Benedict’s death is ongoing, and it is essential to await the results before drawing conclusions. The tragedy underscores the necessity of addressing bullying and ensuring the safety of students in schools. As the community mourns the loss of Nex Benedict, they call for meaningful change and an end to preventable tragedies caused by bullying.
In times like these, it is crucial to remember the devastating effects of bullying and to support those affected by such senseless acts. The Benedict family appreciates the outpouring of support, thoughts, and prayers from across the nation but requests privacy as they grieve and cope with their new reality.
Benedict’s death serves as a somber reminder that bullying cannot be tolerated in any form. As investigations continue and answers are sought, it is imperative that society stands against bullying and works towards creating safe environments for all students. Only through collective efforts can we prevent future tragedies like this from occurring.
If you or someone you know is struggling with a crisis, there are resources available to help. Reach out to Family and Children’s Services at 918-744-4800, Parkside Psychiatric Hospital and Clinic at 918-588-8888, or the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 for immediate assistance.
Let us come together to support one another and create a world where no family has to endure the pain of losing a loved one to bullying and violence.
