A tragic incident unfolded at Owasso High School earlier this month, resulting in the death of a 16-year-old student, Dagny Benedict. Reports indicate that Benedict, along with another non-binary student, were brutally assaulted by three older female students in a school restroom.
The incident occurred on February 7 and continued for a significant duration before a school staff member intervened. Benedict, an academically outstanding student, and the other victim sustained serious injuries during the assault. Benedict’s family, who used both female and non-binary pronouns for the teen, confirmed that Benedict identified as non-binary and went by the name “Nex.”
Benedict’s mother revealed that bullying was a persistent problem for the teen. During the restroom assault, Benedict fell and hit their head, resulting in facial bruises and cuts. The mother of a witness recounted seeing the attackers “bashing [Benedict’s] head on the floor.”
Despite the severity of their injuries, Benedict was unable to get to the nurse’s office for help. The school staff did not contact the police or an ambulance, leaving it to Benedict’s family to rush the teen to the hospital after school. Benedict was discharged the same day but was readmitted on February 8 and tragically died.
The cause of Benedict’s death is still under investigation. Local law enforcement is awaiting toxicology reports to ascertain if any underlying health conditions could have played a part. The Owasso Public School District has refrained from commenting on the incident, citing an ongoing investigation.
In response to the tragic loss, the community has rallied, contributing to a GoFundMe campaign. As the investigation proceeds, it remains unclear whether charges will be brought against the attackers. Benedict’s grieving mother remembered her child at the funeral service, describing Benedict as a “wonderful kid” who loved playing games like Minecraft and had a passion for animals and cooking.
The heartbreaking death of Dagny Benedict underscores the severe consequences of school violence and emphasizes the need to address bullying in educational settings. The community is mourning the loss of a promising young individual, whose memory will be cherished by those who knew them.