The autopsy report for nonbinary teen Nex Benedict, who died by suicide, revealed no lethal trauma despite head injuries from a school fight the day before. Initial summaries had listed the cause of death as a suicide due to a combination of medications. The full report detailed multiple head injuries, nonlethal injuries to the neck, torso, and limbs, and a history of bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, self-harm, tobacco abuse, and marijuana abuse.
The student overdosed after a fight with bullies at Owasso High School in Oklahoma, where they were targeted for their gender identity. The manner of death was not a determination of culpability or intent, according to the medical examiner. The family disputes the initial findings of suicide and hired an attorney to argue that the severity of the assault should not be overlooked in light of the ruling.
Tulsa County District Attorney declined to press charges in connection with Benedict’s death or the fight that preceded it, describing it as mutual combat. The family maintains that the injuries sustained by Nex were significant and should not be overshadowed by the suicide ruling. LGBTQ advocacy groups have called for further investigation into the death and the hostile school environment that contributed to it.
The Human Rights Campaign has filed a complaint with the US Department of Education Office of Civil Rights and is calling for an investigation into the school district and state superintendent of schools. The autopsy report, while providing more details about physical trauma, does not answer the questions surrounding the bullying and harassment Nex experienced leading up to their death.
The LGBTQ community continues to advocate for safer school environments for nonbinary and LGBTQ+ students and is calling for urgent action to address bullying and discrimination. The full autopsy report does not change the fact that LGBTQ+ students are not safe at school and that more needs to be done to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Suicidal thoughts can be addressed by contacting the National Suicide Prevention hotline or visiting their website for support.
