Share this @internewscast.com

Officials acknowledged unresolved questions Tuesday about a 16-year-old Oklahoma student who died one day after a fight in a high school bathroom.

The Feb. 7 fight happened at the Owasso High School West Campus, northeast of Tulsa, police and school officials said. 

Chuck Hoskin Jr., principal chief of the Cherokee Nation, identified the teen Tuesday as Nex Benedict.

Nex was not a citizen of the nation but lived on the Cherokee reservation, Hoskin said in a statement. He said he had asked local authorities to assist the Owasso Police Department in its investigation of Nex’s death.

“The facts relating to Nex’s death are not yet fully clear,” Hoskin said, adding: “The more we learn about Nex’s life, the more we come to know a wonderful child whose experience and identity mattered and was worth celebrating. Above all, Nex deserved to live a full life.”

“It was cut tragically short,” he said. “May Nex rest in peace.”

Nex’s mother told the Independent that the 16-year-old had been bullied at school over their gender identity. Efforts by NBC News to reach Nex’s family were unsuccessful.

It’s unclear if the alleged bullying was linked to Nex’s Feb. 8 death. The student’s cause of death has not been made public, and the Owasso Police Department said Tuesday that it was unclear if the fight was related to the death. An investigation into the matter is ongoing, the department said.

The Oklahoma Medical Examiner’s Office did not provide additional details Tuesday.

In a statement Tuesday, Owasso Public Schools said that “speculation and misinformation” about the case had intensified in recent days over the “district’s commitment to student safety & security.”

“We understand the importance of ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for all students and know that the information below doesn’t change the facts that a fight occurred on school grounds and a student passed away the next day,” the statement said.

School district officials said the students involved in the fight were in the restroom for less than two minutes and the altercation was broken up by other students, along with a staff member who was supervising outside the bathroom.

All of the students “walked under their own power” to the nurse and assistant principal’s office after the fight, and administrators took statements and contacted their parents, according to the district.

The students were also given a health assessment by a district registered nurse, per protocol, school officials said.

“Out of an abundance of caution,” the parent of one student was advised to take their child to a medical facility for further evaluation, the district said in its statement.

Police were called to Bailey Medical Center by a parent who wanted to report that the student had been in a fight, according to the police statement. A school resource officer also responded to the hospital.

The teen was pronounced dead the next day, the police department said.

Sue Benedict, who identified herself as the student’s mother to KJRH, told the station that her child was a straight-A student who loved animals and enjoyed cooking. 

The district said the death was “devastating.”

“We recognize the impact that this event has had on the entire school community, and it is our priority to foster an environment where everyone feels heard, supported, and safe,” district officials said.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
NYC sex offender indicted for threatening to kill Jews, police and federal officials

New York Man Faces Charges for Alleged Threats Against Jewish Community, Law Enforcement, and Federal Authorities

In New York City, a man with a past involving sexual assault…
Trump: 'The Fraud Investigation of California Has Begun'

Trump Announces Start of California Fraud Investigation

On Tuesday, President Donald Trump took to social media to announce the…
Chicago teacher disappears, husband pleads for help finding her

Chicago Educator Vanishes, Husband Urges Public Assistance in Search Efforts

In an unsettling turn of events, a Chicago special education teacher has…
Michael Reagan, elder son of former President Ronald Reagan, dies at 80

Remembering Michael Reagan: Legacy of Former President’s Eldest Son Who Passed at 80

Michael Reagan, the eldest son of former President Ronald Reagan and actress…
Aldrich Ames, CIA officer convicted of spying for Russia, dies at age 84

Aldrich Ames, Former CIA Officer Convicted of Espionage for Russia, Passes Away at 84

Washington — Aldrich Ames, a former CIA counterintelligence officer who infamously betrayed…
Chicago Bears, Green Packers playoff game: Watch parties planned in Chicago area, including Arlington Heights and NW Indiana

Ultimate Guide to Chicago Bears vs. Green Bay Packers Playoff Watch Parties: Top Spots in Arlington Heights & NW Indiana

The Chicago area is set to come to a standstill on Saturday…
Corrupt FBI Grooms Mentally Ill Teen into ‘ISIS Terrorist’ to Stage New Year’s Eve ‘Attack’

FBI Accused of Manipulating Vulnerable Teen into ISIS-Inspired New Year’s Eve Plot

The DOJ claims Christian Sturdivant ‘self-radicalized,’ but records show the 18-year-old was…
'I'm never going to be over it': Former kidnapping victim speaks after arrest of repeat offender

Former Kidnapping Survivor Breaks Silence Following Arrest of Notorious Offender

A woman who endured the terrifying ordeal of being kidnapped over two…
Video shows masked thieves using sledgehammer in brazen Lululemon heist before fleeing in U-Haul

Brazen Lululemon Heist: Masked Thieves Wield Sledgehammer and Escape in U-Haul

On Tuesday, Pennsylvania officials disclosed that surveillance footage had captured a daring…
Los Angeles Fire Department admits initial Palisades Fire report edited to protect leadership

Unveiled: How LAFD Altered Palisades Fire Report to Shield Top Brass

This week, a significant revelation came to light as the head of…
Christopher, Raquelle Judge: Texas influencer couple pleads guilty to nearly $5M swindle in home renovation scams

Texas Influencer Duo Christopher and Raquelle Judge Admit Guilt in $5 Million Home Renovation Fraud Scheme

An influencer couple from Texas has admitted to defrauding over 40 individuals…
Florida boater accused of killing teen in crash avoids jail time with plea deal

Florida Boater Strikes Plea Deal, Escapes Jail in Teen Crash Case

A man has confessed to being involved in a tragic boating accident…