Warning: This topic discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling or texting 988.
By Brittany Harlow, Verified News Network
(OWASSO, Okla.) It’s been over a month since the death of Nex Benedict, a non-binary Owasso High School student who received national attention following their tragic end.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner recently released its summary report of Benedict’s death, ruling it a suicide.
The report also listed Benedict as American Indian. Following their death, Choctaw Nation released a statement saying that while Benedict was not a registered citizen of their tribe, Benedict’s mother was.
Following the report’s release, Owasso Police Lt. Nick Boatman provided the following statement:
“From the beginning of this investigation, Owasso Police observed many indications that this death was the result of suicide. However, investigators did not wish to confirm that information without the final results being presented by the Oklahoma Medical Examiners Office. The Oklahoma Medical Examiner’s report has now been made public. See Oklahoma Medical Examiner’s report for Cause of Death and means. The Owasso Police Department would like to take this moment to inform anyone in crisis or contemplating suicide of the Oklahoma Mental Health Lifeline, just call or text 988.”
On Wednesday, Owasso Public Schools Superintendent Margaret Coates sent the following letter to families:
“The loss of Nex, a member of the Ram Family and the Owasso community, is devastating. We understand that the information released today may bring up additional thoughts, feelings and emotions for students and staff members. Because each person may respond differently, the district employs an experienced team of counselors that are available to students and staff every day. Any student who wishes to see a counselor can do so by visiting the counseling office or may schedule an appointment by emailing their counselor.”
Benedict’s date of death is listed as February 8. The day before, Benedict was allegedly assaulted by multiple students in an Owasso High School bathroom.
Public outcry followed the school’s handling of the incident and bullying in general following Benedict’s death. Multiple candlelight vigils have been held to honor Benedict since.
At the beginning of March, the U.S. Department of Education announced they will be investigating Owasso Public Schools after the Human Rights Campaign filed a complaint about the death of the nonbinary student.
The USDOE is investigating whether Owasso Public Schools discriminated against students by failing to respond appropriately to sex-based harassment.
Regarding the police investigation, Owasso PD said the investigation will not conclude until they receive the full Medical Examiner’s Report in 10 days.
VNN reached out to Owasso Public Schools to find out if they are updating their bullying protocols following Benedict’s death but have not heard back.
Check back for updates on this developing story.
Ironically, last week the state Senate approved legislation aimed at preventing severe bullying. Authored by state Sen. Paul Rosino and state Rep. Steve Bashore, Senate Bill 1100 passed the Senate today on a 38-8 vote.
SB 1100 would make it unlawful for an individual to “threaten, intimidate or harass, or threaten to inflict injury, physical harm, or severe emotional distress” to another person, whether in person or through electronic devices.
Under the measure, a first violation would be a misdemeanor punishable by to one year in a county jail and/or a $500 fine. A second offense would face a maximum of two years in prison and/or a $1,000 fine. Repeated violations can carry a maximum punishment of up to 10 years in prison and/or a $100,000 fine.
Moreover, the bill outlines penalties for an individual for whom “it can be shown to be the proximate cause” of a suicide or attempted suicide. Causing an attempted suicide would be punishable by up to two years in prison and/or a maximum fine of $1,000, while causing a completed suicide would be punishable by a minimum of seven years in prison and/or a maximum fine of $5,000.
Attorney General Gentner Drummond praised state senators for approving legislation aimed at preventing severe bullying that can spur a young person’s suicide.
Drummond said the need for a stronger anti-bullying measure is evident after high-profile bullying appears to have contributed to the suicides of 17-year-old Mustang student Jot Turner and 16-year-old Owasso student Nex Benedict.
“Schools are seeing firsthand the crisis of teen suicide and how it can be stoked by horrific bullying,” he said. “Laws cannot force people to be kind to one another, but we can ensure there are consequences to the sort of bullying that leads to tragedies such as those we have seen in Mustang and Owasso.”
Sen. Rosino also stressed the importance of SB 1100.
“No child in our state should ever feel that ending their life is the only way to escape harassment or bullying. As cyberbullying persists and worsens, it is imperative that we prioritize the well-being of our youth and do everything in our power to prevent these tragedies,” he said. “This legislation will hold those who inflict harm accountable and will offer further protections for young Oklahomans who have fallen victim to bullying or cyberbullying.”
Suicide of young people has reached alarming levels in Oklahoma. According to the most recent data available from the Oklahoma State Department of Health, between 2012 and 2016 the state had the 10th highest rate of youth suicide deaths nationwide.
According to the 2021 Youth Risk Behavior Survey compiled by the Oklahoma State Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, 23% of respondents “seriously considered” suicide over the year, while 10% attempted taking their own life.
The survey found 18% of responding high school students reported being bullied on school grounds and 16% reported being subject to bullying electronically.
In addition, the survey indicated that those targeted by bullying were more likely to experience suicidal ideation than those who were not – 43.9% compared to 17.8%.
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