On March 13, a summary autopsy report by the Oklahoma medical examiner ruled Benedict's death a suicide caused by a drug overdose.

On March 27, a full autopsy report restating the finding of suicide by drug overdose was released by the Oklahoma medical examiner.

[14][15] Ryan Walters, the Oklahoma Superintendent of Public Instruction, has implemented policies that include preventing students from changing the designation of their gender or sex in school records.

[24][25] Sue Benedict said she was contacted by Owasso High School and arrived to find Nex with bruises on their face and scratches on the back of their head.

[6] On February 8, the day after the altercation, while preparing to travel with their mother for an appointment, Nex collapsed in the family's living room.

"[7] A search warrant dated February 9 resulted in the collection of 137 pictures from the school, two swabs of stains from the bathroom, as well as records and other documents related to involved students.

"[32][34] On February 21, a police department spokesperson said hallway video from inside the school, showing Benedict before and after the incident, had been reviewed by investigators.

[38] On February 27, an Owasso police spokesperson stated to NBC News that the medical examiner's office had not ruled out the fight as a possible cause or contributor to Benedict's death and added that "people shouldn't make assumptions either way.

"[39] On March 13, the Oklahoma medical examiner's summary report was released, ruling Benedict's cause of death a suicide from a combined toxicity of two pharmaceutical drugs: diphenhydramine (an antihistamine and sedative commonly known under the brand name Benadryl) and fluoxetine (a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressant known under the brand name Prozac).

[40][41][42][43][44][45] On March 14, family members of Benedict released a statement through their attorney and said they had reviewed the complete autopsy report and did not want the ruling of suicide to overshadow other findings in the report, saying, "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...the Medical Examiner found numerous areas of physical trauma over Nex's body that evidence the severity of the assault.

[58][59] The Oklahoma medical examiner report also described several injuries on Benedict's head and neck, including two contusions, two small lacerations, two abrasions, and hemorrhaging on their right cheek and ear.

[64] According to Lance Preston, the founder of the Rainbow Youth Project, greater awareness of the services offered by the group contributed to the increase in contacts.

[64] In a letter to parents reported on February 16, 2024, Owasso Public Schools said it would be increasing the number of security personnel within the district, updating their safety drills and rules, and providing additional counseling services for students affected by the death.

The Congressional Equality Caucus said in a written statement on February 21, "It's more important than ever to stand up to anti-trans hate, violence, & legislation across the country.

In memory of Nex, we must all recommit to our work to end discrimination and address the suicide crisis impacting too many nonbinary and transgender children ... Parents and schools must take reports of bullying seriously.

"[94][95][93] On February 19, LGBTQ advocacy group Freedom Oklahoma released a statement describing the reported incident that preceded Benedict's death as "a possible hate-motivated attack" while acknowledging "a still incomplete picture" of what happened, and offered information about support resources such as the Trans Lifeline, the Trevor Project, and the LGBT hotline.

[6][96] The group linked the death of Benedict to Oklahoma laws and policies, and related rhetoric, including statements by Chaya Raichik on her Libs of TikTok social media accounts.

[6][97][65] The ACLU and Lambda Legal also condemned the legislative environment, including the recent passage of Oklahoma Bill 615, and said that it had led to Nex's death.

[98][99] A February 28 open letter organized by the advocacy groups addressed to more than 350 local, state, and national organizations, as well as public figures, requested an investigation of the Oklahoma State Department of Education and the removal of Walters from his position, accusing him of allowing "rampant harassment" and creating an "environment that allows for hostility and harm.

[41] Freedom Oklahoma released a statement that said, "We have a responsibility to acknowledge the role anti-trans policies and rhetoric continue to play," and the summary report "only further emphasizes the state of crisis our youth are in.

"[50] Ryan Walters, the Oklahoma Superintendent of Public Instruction, released a statement that said, "The loss of our student in Owasso is tragic for the family, the community, and our state.

The LGBTQ groups pushing a false narrative are one of the biggest threats to our democracy and I remain, more than ever, committed to never backing down from a woke mob.

"[42] Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond posted a statement on X stating his "heart is broken" by Benedict's death, and "the Medical Examiner's finding of suicide makes me even more concerned that bullying played a role in this terrible loss.

"[109] Oklahoma House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson released a statement that said, "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.

"[110][111] On March 14, a group of Republican members of the Oklahoma House of Representatives issued a statement that said, "The tragic suicide of Nex Benedict is a harsh reminder of the power that words have.

"[110][112] After the March 21 announcement by the DA's office, the Human Rights Campaign renewed its call for an independent investigation and described Benedict as being failed by their school and elected officials "who allowed a culture of bullying and harassment to grow unchecked.