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Family releases statement following partial release of ME report in Nex Benedict's death

The statement was released through the family's attorney

Family releases statement following partial release of ME report in Nex Benedict's death

The statement was released through the family's attorney

ALL RIGHT, AUDREY, THANKS FOR THAT UPDATE THERE. AND THIS MORNING WE ARE HEARING FROM NEXT BENEDICT’S FAMILY JUST DAYS AFTER THE STATE MEDICAL EXAMINER RULED THEIR CAUSE OF DEATH A SUICIDE. THE NON-BINARY STUDENT’S DEATH DRAWING NATIONAL ATTENTION. THEY DIED AFTER A FIGHT IN THE OWASSO HIGH SCHOOL RESTROOM, THE FAMILY’S ATTORNEY SAYING IN PART, THEY WANT TO, QUOTE, ENSURE OTHER PERTINENT PORTIONS OF THE REPORT ARE NOT OVERSHADOWED BY THE CLASSIFICATION OF NEX’S DEATH, ACCORDING TO THAT REPORT RELEASED WEDNESDAY. NEXT IS PROBABLE CAUSE OF DEATH WAS THE RESULT OF TWO DIFFERENT DRUGS THAT WAS IN THE TOXICITY REPORT. THE FAMILY IS CALLING FOR PEOPLE TO COME TOGETHER T
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Family releases statement following partial release of ME report in Nex Benedict's death

The statement was released through the family's attorney

Nex Benedict's family released a statement through their attorney after the partial release of the Medical Examiner's Office's report.| MORE | Therapists say Nex Benedict's death has domino effect on Oklahoma's LGBTQ+ communityThat report ruled Nex's death a suicide. The release came from Biby Law Firm on March 14, 2024. "With each passing day, the numerous ongoing investigations surrounding Nex’s untimely passing yield additional information. Yesterday, a summary report from the Medical Examiner was released, simply stating that Nex’s death was caused by suicide. | MORE | ME lists manner of death for 16-year-old nonbinary student Nex Benedict as suicide"As the media and public await the release of the full report, the Benedicts want to ensure other pertinent portions of the report are not overshadowed by the 'classification' of Nex’s death. Rather than allow incomplete accounts to take hold and spread any further, the Benedicts feel compelled to provide a summary of those findings which have not yet been released by the Medical Examiner’s office, particularly those that contradict allegations of the assault on Nex being insignificant. As outlined in the full report, the Medical Examiner found numerous areas of physical trauma over Nex’s body that evidence the severity of the assault."The Biby Law Firm's statement continues outlining a passage from the full autopsy report. The passage says:II. No lethal trauma A. Head and neck: Two contusions, right orbital region; right scleral hemorrhage; two lacerations (1/4 inch, each), right cheek and right external ear; two abrasions, right external ear and left cheek. I. Scalp and subgaleal hemorrhages. B. Torso: Abrasion, right upper chest, abraded contusion, central chest I. The abraded contusion of the central chest and an anterior atrial ecchymosis/contusion are consistent with having occurred during cardiopulmonary resuscitation efforts. C. Extremities: Scattered asynchronous abrasions and contusions. I. Multiple healing linear injuries and scars, posterior left hand.The statement continues: "The Benedicts continue to call on our schools, administrators, lawmakers, and communities to come together to prevent any other family from having to suffer through the heartache now borne by Nex’s loved ones. Reforms creating school environments that are built upon the pillars of respect, inclusion and grace, and aim to eliminate bullying and hate, are the types of change that all involved should be able to rally behind."Nex’s family continues to be overwhelmed by the outpouring of support. Your cards, letters, emails, donations, vigils and offers of assistance will never be forgotten, and continue to give the Benedicts strength and comfort throughout this difficult time." The summary autopsy report from the medical examiner's office lists the probable cause of death as Diphenhydramine and Fluoxetine combined toxicity. Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine to relieve allergies, and Fluoxetine is an antidepressant.The medical examiner in the report ruled the manner of death as suicide. It's unknown how much Diphenhydramine and Fluoxetine were in Benedict's system.There are resources available if you or anyone you know is struggling with mental health. You can call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988.Top Headlines Investigation underway after man shot, killed at southeast Oklahoma City home Caught on camera: Pizza oven bursts into flames, restaurant owner injured while lighting pilot light ME lists manner of death for 16-year-old nonbinary student Nex Benedict as suicide Rossen Reports: The worst airports for spring break travel

Nex Benedict's family released a statement through their attorney after the partial release of the Medical Examiner's Office's report.

| MORE | Therapists say Nex Benedict's death has domino effect on Oklahoma's LGBTQ+ community

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That report ruled Nex's death a suicide. The release came from Biby Law Firm on March 14, 2024.

"With each passing day, the numerous ongoing investigations surrounding Nex’s untimely passing yield additional information. Yesterday, a summary report from the Medical Examiner was released, simply stating that Nex’s death was caused by suicide.

| MORE | ME lists manner of death for 16-year-old nonbinary student Nex Benedict as suicide

"As the media and public await the release of the full report, the Benedicts want to ensure other pertinent portions of the report are not overshadowed by the 'classification' of Nex’s death. Rather than allow incomplete accounts to take hold and spread any further, the Benedicts feel compelled to provide a summary of those findings which have not yet been released by the Medical Examiner’s office, particularly those that contradict allegations of the assault on Nex being insignificant. As outlined in the full report, the Medical Examiner found numerous areas of physical trauma over Nex’s body that evidence the severity of the assault."

The Biby Law Firm's statement continues outlining a passage from the full autopsy report. The passage says:

II. No lethal trauma

A. Head and neck: Two contusions, right orbital region; right scleral hemorrhage; two lacerations (1/4 inch, each), right cheek and right external ear; two abrasions, right external ear and left cheek. I. Scalp and subgaleal hemorrhages.

B. Torso: Abrasion, right upper chest, abraded contusion, central chest I. The abraded contusion of the central chest and an anterior atrial ecchymosis/contusion are consistent with having occurred during cardiopulmonary resuscitation efforts.

C. Extremities: Scattered asynchronous abrasions and contusions. I. Multiple healing linear injuries and scars, posterior left hand.

The statement continues: "The Benedicts continue to call on our schools, administrators, lawmakers, and communities to come together to prevent any other family from having to suffer through the heartache now borne by Nex’s loved ones. Reforms creating school environments that are built upon the pillars of respect, inclusion and grace, and aim to eliminate bullying and hate, are the types of change that all involved should be able to rally behind.

"Nex’s family continues to be overwhelmed by the outpouring of support. Your cards, letters, emails, donations, vigils and offers of assistance will never be forgotten, and continue to give the Benedicts strength and comfort throughout this difficult time."

The summary autopsy report from the medical examiner's office lists the probable cause of death as Diphenhydramine and Fluoxetine combined toxicity. Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine to relieve allergies, and Fluoxetine is an antidepressant.

The medical examiner in the report ruled the manner of death as suicide. It's unknown how much Diphenhydramine and Fluoxetine were in Benedict's system.

There are resources available if you or anyone you know is struggling with mental health. You can call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988.


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