Oklahoma Nex Benedict Parents: Meet Mother Sue Benedict, And Father, Family Details
The tragic death of Nex Benedict, a 16-year-old nonbinary student from Owasso, Oklahoma, has sparked outrage and grief across the nation. Nex, who used they/them pronouns and identified as gender expansive, died on February 18, 2024, a day after being involved in a fight that broke out in a high school bathroom. His parents, Sue and Walter Benedict, are mourning the loss of their beloved child and seeking justice for the incident. Here are some facts about Nex’s parents and family details.
Who are Nex Benedict’s mom and Dad?
Nex Benedict’s parents are Sue and Walter Benedict, who live in Owasso, a suburb of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Sue is His biological grandmother, who raised them since they were two months old along with her five other children. She formally adopted Nex a few years ago. Walter is Sue’s husband and his adoptive grandfather. Sue and Walter have been married for over 20 years and have a blended family of 11 children and 18 grandchildren.
Sue and Walter are both devout Christians who attend the First Baptist Church of Owasso. They are also active members of their community, volunteering at various local organizations and events. Sue works as a nurse at a nearby hospital, while Walter is a retired engineer. They describe themselves as loving, supportive, and proud parents who always wanted the best for their children.
Parents and Family Details
| Name | Nex Benedict |
|---|---|
| Birth | c. 2008 |
| Death Date | February 8, 2024 |
| Cause of death | Pending autopsy |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Choctaw |
| Gender identity | Non-binary, two-spirit |
| Education | Owasso High School |
| Occupation | Student |
| Known for | Victim of a possible hate crime |
| Family | Mother- Sue Benedict |
| Relatives | Sue Benedict (grandmother and adoptive mother) |
| Links | Twitter- @NexBenedict Homepage- Newsunzip |
How did Nex Benedict’s parents react to their death?
Nex Benedict’s parents were devastated by their death and have been struggling to cope with the loss. They said they were not aware of the extent of the bullying and harassment that he faced at school because of their gender identity. They said they tried to understand and accept Benedict as they were, but they also faced challenges and confusion at times. They said they loved him unconditionally and wanted them to be happy and safe.
Sue and Walter have also been vocal about their demand for justice and accountability for the perpetrators and the school authorities. They said they were not satisfied with the police investigation and the school’s response to the incident. They said they felt betrayed and let down by the system that was supposed to protect their child. They said they wanted to know the truth about what happened to Nex and why they died. They also said they wanted to prevent such tragedies from happening to other children in the future.
Sue and Walter have hired an attorney to conduct an independent investigation and to pursue legal action against the responsible parties. They have also been in contact with LGBTQ+ advocates and organizations, who have offered them support and guidance. They have expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of love and solidarity from the public, who have organized vigils, rallies, and petitions in honor of Nex.
What are some of the challenges and issues that Nex Benedict’s parents and family faced?
Nex’s parents and family faced many challenges and issues related to Nex’s gender identity and expression. Some of these include:
- Lack of awareness and education: Sue and Walter said they did not have much knowledge or experience about gender diversity and nonbinary identities. They said they learned about these concepts from Nex and from online resources. They said they sometimes struggled to understand and use his preferred pronouns and name. They also said they faced ignorance and prejudice from some of their relatives, friends, and church members, who did not accept or respect his identity.
- Lack of support and resources: Sue and Walter said they did not have access to adequate support and resources for themselves and for Nex. They said they did not know of any local groups or counselors who could help them and Nex with their emotional and mental health needs. They also said they did not have enough financial means to afford some of the medical and legal services that he required, such as hormone therapy and name change.
- Lack of protection and inclusion: Sue and Walter said they did not feel that he was safe and welcome at school and in society. They said they witnessed and heard about the bullying and discrimination that Benedict faced from some of their peers, teachers, and administrators. They also said they were aware of the hostile and harmful policies and laws that targeted and excluded transgender and nonbinary people in Oklahoma and in the country. They said they feared for Benedict ’s well-being and rights.
| Name | Relationship | Occupation | Residence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sue Benedict | Mother/Grandmother | Nurse | Owasso, Oklahoma |
| Walter Benedict | Father/Grandfather | Retired Engineer | Owasso, Oklahoma |
| Nex Benedict | Child/Grandchild | Student | Owasso, Oklahoma |
What are some of the hopes and dreams that Nex Benedict’s parents and family had?
Nex’s parents and family had many hopes and dreams for Nex and for themselves. Some of these include:
- Happiness and fulfillment: Sue and Walter said they hoped that Nex would be happy and fulfilled in their life. They said they wanted Benedict to pursue their passions and interests, such as music, art, and photography. They also said they wanted him to have friends and partners who loved and appreciated them for who they were. They also said they hoped to be happy and fulfilled in their own lives, by overcoming their grief and finding peace and joy.
- Justice and change: Sue and Walter said they dreamed of justice and change for Benedict and for other LGBTQ+ people. They said they wanted the perpetrators and the school authorities to be held accountable and to face consequences for their actions. They also said they wanted the policies and laws to be changed and to protect and include transgender and nonbinary people in Oklahoma and in the country. They also said they wanted to raise awareness and education about gender diversity and nonbinary identities, and to promote acceptance and respect for all people.
- Legacy and memory: Sue and Walter said they wished to honor and remember Nex’s legacy and memory. They said they wanted to celebrate Benedict ’s life and achievements, such as their academic excellence, artistic talent, and humanitarian spirit. They also said they wanted to share his story and message, such as their courage, kindness, and creativity. They also said they wanted to keep Nex’s spirit alive in their hearts and minds, and to cherish the memories they had with them.
Nex Benedict’s parents, Sue and Walter Benedict, are grieving the loss of their child, who died after being involved in a fight at school. They are also seeking justice and accountability for the incident, and hoping to prevent such tragedies from happening to other children. They are also trying to cope with the challenges and issues they faced as the parents of a nonbinary child, and to fulfill the hopes and dreams they had for Benedict and for themselves. They are also honoring and remembering his legacy and memory, and expressing their love and pride for their child.
