An Oklahoma teenager died in February, reportedly a day after being attacked at their high school. Authorities said the teenager died from an overdose.
A brief autopsy report said that Nex Benedict—a 16-year-old who identified as nonbinary and used they/them pronouns— died on February 8 from a mix of diphenhydramine, an antihistamine, and fluoxetine, an antidepressant. It was reported that Benedict had faced bullying related to their gender identity.
Owasso police reported that they found evidence early in their investigation suggesting Benedict took their own life. However, they held back from sharing this information publicly as they awaited the medical examiner’s conclusion.
According to KFOR, three girls were teasing Benedict and their friends before the group attacked Benedict for pouring water on them. Benedict’s parents reported the attack, which took place in the girls’ bathroom at Owasso High School West Campus. Allegedly, school officials did not report the incident, but a school resource officer filed a report at the hospital.
The full autopsy report is anticipated to be released this month. Meanwhile, authorities are still examining the altercation on February 7 and investigating whether Benedict was the target of gender-based violence.