The hallways of high school can be a challenging landscape, filled with social dynamics and burgeoning identities. This story, unfortunately, takes us down a path where youthful conflicts escalated, ultimately leading to heartbreaking consequences. We delve into the events surrounding the tragic death of NEX Benedict, a non-binary student who became embroiled in a physical altercation at Aaso West High School in Oklahoma.
A Conflict Ignites
It began, as many high school conflicts do, with disagreements and hurtful words. NEX, who preferred they/them pronouns, found themselves the target of persistent bullying due to their gender identity. “[They] won’t leave me alone,” NEX confided in their mother, Sue. “They’re making comments…calling us names…throwing stuff at us.” Despite Sue’s advice to ignore the torment, the situation reached a boiling point in the school bathroom.
Surveillance footage from outside the bathroom reveals a group of students entering, including NEX. At the water fountain, NEX admits to splashing water on some of the other students who had been mocking them. Moments later, NEX enters the bathroom, and within seconds, a school staff member rushes towards the commotion.
The Aftermath and a Mother’s Anguish
The physical altercation left NEX injured, prompting a visit to the hospital. Sue, distraught by the school’s apparent lack of response, took matters into her own hands. “I said, ‘I think we need to have a police [officer], it’s assault,’” Sue recounted in a recording of her call to the police.
Bodycam footage captures the responding officer, Officer Thompson, speaking with NEX and Sue in the hospital room. NEX details the bullying and the events leading up to the fight. “They had said something like, ‘Why do they laugh like that?’…and they were talking about us in front of us,” NEX explained.
Bodycam footage shows NEX Benedict speaking with Officer Thompson
Officer Thompson, while sympathetic to NEX’s experience, informs them that throwing water could be considered assault, potentially complicating legal matters. “You made the first jab,” Officer Thompson states, emphasizing the legal complexities of the situation. He assures Sue that he will investigate and speak to all parties involved.
A Community Grapples with Loss
The day after the fight, tragedy struck. Sue made a frantic 911 call, reporting that NEX was experiencing medical distress. “She’s posturing and her hands are…she is 16. Okay, she fell at school, or they…she got beat up at school yesterday,” Sue frantically explains to the dispatcher. Despite emergency medical services’ best efforts, NEX tragically passed away on February 8th.
Aaso West High School in Oklahoma
The community was left reeling from the sudden loss, and the incident sparked conversations about bullying, gender identity, and school safety. Aaso Public Schools released a statement expressing their cooperation with the investigation and noting that privacy laws prevented them from disclosing disciplinary actions taken.
Seeking Answers, Finding Prevention
While the official cause of death was not directly attributed to the physical trauma from the fight, the incident underscores the devastating impact of bullying and the importance of fostering inclusive and safe environments for all students.
As we reflect on this tragedy, it’s crucial to remember that every student deserves to feel safe and respected within the school walls. Open communication between students, parents, educators, and the community as a whole is essential to prevent bullying and ensure that incidents like this never happen again.