Owasso Mother Plans Vigil For Nex Benedict With Permission From Family

An Owasso mom said the loss of Nex Benedict is being felt by many in the community. She is organizing a peaceful vigil to bring everyone together to honor the student’s life.

Anna Richardson said her son is a senior at Owasso, and he and his friends have had many questions about what they can do in the days after Nex’s death.

“My mom heart slept on it and then decided to put together a vigil,” said Richardson.

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Richardson said she is heartbroken and cannot imagine the loss of a child. She said it was important for her to reach out to Nex’s family and get permission to host the vigil.

Richardson said the family is grateful but may not attend.

“She said directly to me that the family is grieving deeply,” said Richardson.

Richardson said the vigil is her idea of bringing the community together. Like her son, she said other students have been trying to process what happened.

“It’s just been kind of a cloud,” said Richardson. “They haven’t known how to talk about it, what to talk about, or when to bring it up.”

Owasso Schools said it made additional counselors available to its campus after Nex’s death. The district said those resources are still available to any student.

Richardson said the peaceful vigil will give everyone the chance to come together and honor Nex’s life.

“I want it to be a positive, kind way for us to honor this child that was part of our community,” said Richardson.

Richardson wants attendees to know the vigil will be peaceful and is not the place for protests.

It is planned for Sunday, Feb. 25 at 6:30 p.m. at Redbud Festival Park near 76th Street and Main.

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