Indigenous Two Spirited High School Student Dies Just One Day After Brutal Attack at School

 

Nex Benedict, a 16 year old two spirited highschool student of the Chatah Nation tragically passed away just one day after a brutal assault at te Owasso High school in Owasso Oklahoma. It all started on February 7th, when Nex and another student were brutally attacked in the school bathroom. Witnesses recount a disturbing scene where one of the assailants repeatedly beat Nex's head against the floor until a teacher intervened and broke it up. The severity of the assault left Nex with cuts and bruises across their face and caused them to be unable to walk to the school nurse's office on their own.

Shockingly, despite Nex's obvious need for medical attention, the school staff did not call for an ambulance. In fact, Nex's grandmother had to take matters into her own hands, rushing them to the hospital after school for much needed medical care. Nex was released later that night.

However the following day, Nex collapsed at home and was swiftly rushed back to the hospital. Despite efforts to save their life, they tragically passed away later that day.

Nex's mother revealed that the bullying had been going on for years, escalating notably when a teacher Nex admired resigned from the school after being targeted by Chaya Raichik, the founder of Libs of TikTok. Raichik, who is known for their transphobic views and internet posts. This revelation sheds light on the long standing issues within the school environment as well as the harmful anti trans legislation that plagues the state of Oklahoma.

 Following Nex’s death the Owasso Police Department began an investigation and released the following statement:

Nex’s family then released their own statement as a response: "While various investigations are still pending, the facts currently known by the family, some of which have been released to the public, are troubling at best. We urge those tasked with investigating and prosecuting all potentially liable parties to do so fully, fairly and expediently. Notwithstanding, the family is independently interviewing witnesses and collecting all available evidence."

As of now, the Benedict family has secured legal representation and criticized the school and police department for suggesting uncertainty regarding whether Nex's death directly resulted from the brutal attack. The community rallies behind #JusticeForNex, demanding accountability and systemic change to prevent future similar tragedies at the hands of transphobia and hate.

Linked in my bio is a link to the gofundme created on behalf of the Benedict family.