Authorities in Owasso, Oklahoma have not ruled out the possibility that a school fight contributed to the death of nonbinary teen Nex Benedict, who passed away on February 8th, a day after being beaten by bullies in a high school bathroom. Owasso police clarified that while Benedict did not die as a result of trauma, they have not discounted the fight as a potential contributing factor in the 16-year-old's death. The police department released bodycam footage of Benedict recounting the events leading to the brawl, along with 911 audio from the day of Benedict's passing, to address misinformation circulating on social media.

Lt. Nick Boatman stated that the police department is awaiting toxicology results, which may take several months to come in. Dozens of students and teachers from Owasso High School staged a walkout to protest the bullying of Benedict and the school's alleged lack of response to student mistreatment. Vigils and memorials have been held in honor of Benedict across Oklahoma and the US. Benedict's family has initiated an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the teenager's tragic death.