Oklahoma teenager Nex Benedict was captured on video describing a fight that happened one day before their death.

Benedict, who identified as nonbinary and used they/them pronouns, was 16 years old when they passed away. On February 7, Benedict was part of an altercation that occurred in the girls’ bathroom at Owasso High School.

Benedict recounted the events to an Owasso police officer in a 20-minute interview captured at a nearby hospital. Before the fight, Benedict claimed they poured water on a group of girls after the girls had allegedly made fun of their laugh and the way they dressed.

The girls then beat Benedict in the girls’ bathroom until they “blacked out.” Benedict hit their head on the bathroom floor during the fight. On February 8, Benedict suffered from headaches and was rushed to the hospital. Benedict died that day.

Benedict’s death has stirred outrage from LGBTQ activists group calling for the protection and equal treatment of queer students in schools. No official cause of death has been declared for Benedict as of yet.

White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre wrote on X, “Every young person deserves to feel safe and supported at school. Our hearts are with Nex Benedict’s family, friends, and entire school community in the wake of this horrific and gut-wrenching tragedy.”

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Ann Hoang

Article by Ann Hoang

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