A fun winter day in North Texas turned into tragedy when two 16-year-old best friends lost their lives in a sledding accident, leaving a community shattered and families grappling with unimaginable grief.
Elizabeth Angle and Gracie Brito, both sophomores at Wakeland High School in Frisco, died after a sledding accident Sunday afternoon when their sled, being towed by a Jeep Wrangler, struck a curb and collided with a tree near Majestic Gardens Drive and Killian Court.
Tragedy Unfolds in Frisco
Elizabeth died shortly after the accident on Sunday, while Gracie fought for her life until Tuesday evening, when she succumbed to her injuries. The girls were being towed on a sled behind a Jeep driven by another 16-year-old when the accident occurred, as reported by local officials.
“These sweet besties are together forever,” Elizabeth’s mother, Megan Angle, wrote in a heart-wrenching Facebook post. “I find some comfort knowing they are in heaven together… They were holding on to each other on the sled.”
Frisco police performed life-saving measures at the scene before the girls were transported to a hospital. Despite these efforts, the injuries proved fatal for both teenagers, as confirmed by multiple sources.
Lives Cut Short
The Angle family announced their daughter’s passing in a devastating social media post: “It is with deep despair and utter shock that Brian and I announce the passing of our beautiful 16 year old girl, Elizabeth Marie Angle,” the statement read. “She was a bright light, a fun spirit, a brave soul.” Elizabeth had recently reached milestones typical of any teenager — getting her driver’s license and a car — making the loss all the more poignant, according to details shared by her family.
Gracie Brito’s family faced their own nightmare as they kept vigil while she remained on life support until Tuesday night, January 27. Her mother, Tracy Brito, described the family as “heartbroken and devastated by the loss of our beautiful daughter,” in statements gathered by CBS Texas.
In a final act reflecting her character, Gracie’s organs will be donated — honoring a decision she made herself when receiving her driver’s license just two months ago. “We are still here going through the organ donation process to honor Gracie’s wishes,” Tracy Brito said. “She was a selfless person who always wanted to make others smile and happy. God took a good one away far too soon.”
A Wider Problem
How dangerous can seemingly innocent winter fun become? The tragedy in Frisco is part of a disturbing pattern of sledding-related injuries across North Texas following the recent winter storm.
Cook Children’s Medical Center has documented 52 sledding-related hospitalizations of children aged 2 to 17 since the weekend. These injuries have ranged from broken bones to head trauma and internal organ damage — a stark reminder of the risks that can accompany winter recreation.
Elizabeth’s father, Brian Angle, offered words of caution amid his grief: “If there is anything learned from this situation, it’s go out and have fun. Be safe, though.”
The sentiment was echoed by Elizabeth’s mother, who reflected on how quickly tragedy can strike. “I know kids think they are invincible. It was literally an instant,” she said. “We are just regular people… you hear these stories and think, ‘Oh, that will never happen to me,’ and it did.”
The close-knit Frisco community now mourns two young lives full of promise. Gracie and Elizabeth — best friends in life who, in their mothers’ words, will remain together forever.
