This is an updated version of a story in development.
The Owasso Police Department released a statement saying that while full results are not yet available, preliminary information from the coroner indicates that Nex-Benedict “did not die from trauma.”
The mother said the statement came after days of intense attention to the death of the non-binary student, who was often the target of bullying.
Nex Benedict’s mother, Sue Benedict, said the family is expecting a report from the coroner to learn more about how Nex died. Sue Benedict said in a brief interview that Nex collapsed at home after seeking medical attention for injuries sustained in a fight at school on February 7, but how much did that altercation play a role in Nex’s death? He said he doesn’t know yet.
Benedict said school staff did not call an ambulance and medical professionals performed a quick check on Nex before releasing him from the hospital.
Owasso Public Schools said in a statement Tuesday that it determined the bathroom altercation between another student and staff member, which lasted less than two minutes, did not require an ambulance, but “one parent was asked to send the student to a medical facility for further testing.” “I was encouraged to do so,” he said. ” after each student’s medical examination was conducted.
OPS disputed the widespread belief that Nex was unable to walk after the fight, telling the vice principal and nurse that each student involved “walked under their own power.”
OPS said “speculation and misinformation” had intensified in recent days.
“While we know there are additional questions for many, these are the facts we can share at this time. We will continue to fully cooperate with the Owasso Police Department in their investigation.” It’s in the statement.
Benedict said Nex was often the target of bullying. The family was still learning about Nex’s non-binary identity and sometimes called him by his birth name at home. Benedict said she faces harassment and growing misinformation as her family tries to cope with their grief.
“I just want my child back,” she said.
A GoFundMe has raised about $30,000 on behalf of the family, but donations have been temporarily suspended at Benedict’s request. Benedict said he was alarmed by the flood of misinformation, including false claims that Nex was stabbed. The fundraiser has resumed and as of Wednesday had raised more than $55,000.
The Owasso Police Department said they were notified of Nex’s death on February 8 after he visited the hospital for a second time and was pronounced dead. Police stressed that there has been misinformation circulating about the incident and that an investigation is ongoing.
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