TULSA, Okla. — The Medical Examiner's office report indicates Nex Benedict' died by suicide.
The 16-year-old's toxicology report said the probable cause of death resulted from Diphenhydramine and Fluoxetine combined toxicity.
What happened?
16-year-old Nex Benedict died the day after a fight with three girls in an Owasso Public Schools bathroom.
Their death garnered national attention and sparked protests against bullying of the LGBTQ+ community.
READ MORE >>> TIMELINE: Investigation into Nex Benedict's death
The ME waited to release Benedict's cause of death until the toxicology report was completed. The Owasso Police Department sent a statement after the release of the ME report.
"From the beginning of this investigation, Owasso Police observed many indications that this death was the result of suicide. However, investigators did not wish to confirm that information without the final results being presented by the Oklahoma Medical Examiners Office.
The Oklahoma Medical Examiner’s report has now been made public.
The Owasso Police Department would like to take this moment to inform anyone in crisis or contemplating suicide of the Oklahoma Mental Health Lifeline, just call or text 988."
2 News previously reported that Benedict and their mother called officers to the hospital after Benedict said they were in a fight at school.
The day after Nex was released from the hospital, Sue Benedict called emergency crews to their home. Those crews took Nex to the hospital, where they were pronounced dead on Feb. 8.
WATCH: Owasso police later released video and 911 calls surrounding the fight and Benedict's death
After their death, many organizations and groups showed support for Nex. Students at OPS led a walkout to call attention to their death.
The Human Rights Campaign wrote a letter to the U.S. Department of Education demanding an investigation into OPS. That letter initiated an investigation into the district.
At the Owasso School Board Meeting on March 11, protesters gathered to voice their opinions on the death of Nex and bullying in schools.
Benedict's death made international news. Kelly Wood, an Alabama mother, has a daughter who identifies with the LGBTQ+ community.
"I look at Nex, and they remind me of my daughter," Wood said.
Benedict's death being ruled a suicide elicited opinions across the map.
"For someone to have hate towards my child, that’s all I can think of. That this was somebody’s child, this was a human being," Wood said.
Owasso Public Schools released the following statement to families:
President Joe Biden released a statement after the release of the cause of death for Nex Benedict:
Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond said this development is concerning:
"My heart is broken over the tragic death of Nex Benedict. The Medical Examiner’s finding of suicide makes me even more concerned that bullying played a role in this terrible loss."
A group of Oklahoma House of Representatives released a joint statement:
"The tragic suicide of Nex Benedict is a harsh reminder of the power that words have. As public officials and policy makers, we have a sacred obligation to ensure that as we do the work of the people, we do so with respect and dignity. Every human life is precious and created in the image of God regardless of who they are or who they love. We call on all Oklahomans to join us in our commitment to being respectful and deliberate in our language."
The statement was issued by Reps. Marcus McEntire, R-Duncan; Jon Echols, R-Oklahoma City; Jeff Boatman, R-Tulsa; Mike Osburn, R-Edmond; Mark McBride, R-Moore; Tammy West, R-Oklahoma City; Mark Vancuren, R-Owasso; Lonnie Sims, R-Jenks.
House Democratic leader Cyndi Munson released this statement:
“My heart goes out to Nex Benedict’s friends and family. Their death has shaken the entire nation. Nex was a young person who deserved to grow up and live a happy, fulfilling life. They did not get the chance to experience the hopefulness that comes with knowing you can blossom and live as your true self. I believe Nex Benedict’s death is a direct result of a society and government that consistently pushes back and restricts their identity and those of other LGBTQ+ individuals. To LGBTQ+ people grappling with this tragedy, we see you and we are doing everything we can to stop the harmful legislation and policies that attack your existence.”
*** If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, call 988***
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