A quiet Sunday afternoon in Frisco, Texas, turned into an unimaginable tragedy when a recreational sledding activity ended in the deaths of two teenage girls. The incident, which occurred during a winter storm, has left the local community grappling with grief and searching for answers.
According to authorities, a 16-year-old boy was operating a Jeep that was towing a sled carrying two 16-year-old girls near the intersection of Majestic Gardens Drive and Killian Court. Witnesses reported that the sled struck a curb, which caused it to veer off course and collide with a tree. The impact was devastating, leaving both girls critically injured.
Emergency responders arrived quickly at the scene and found the teenagers in critical condition. Officers immediately began administering life-saving measures before paramedics transported the victims to a local hospital. Despite these efforts, the outcome was heartbreaking.
Elizabeth Angle succumbed to her injuries shortly after arriving at the hospital on Sunday. Her family and friends were plunged into mourning as news of her death spread throughout the community. The second victim, Gracie Brito, fought for her life for several days before passing away on Wednesday. In a final act of generosity that exemplified her character, Gracie's family honored her wish to become an organ donor, spending time at the hospital to complete the donation process.
The families of both girls have shared touching tributes that paint a picture of two vibrant young lives cut tragically short. Elizabeth's mother, Megan Angle, took to social media to express her grief and find solace in the bond her daughter shared with Gracie. "These sweet besties are together forever," she wrote in a heartfelt Facebook post. "I find some comfort knowing they are in heaven together... They were holding on to each other on the sled. Our hearts go out to the Brito family. We are forever connected."
The Angle family described Elizabeth as a kind-spirited sophomore at Wakeland High School, where she was an active soccer player. Her parents remembered her as a teenager who cherished her friends and deeply loved her community. In the wake of the tragedy, they have been vocal about the importance of safety, hoping to prevent other families from experiencing similar heartbreak.
"If there is anything learned from this situation, it's go out and have fun. Be safe, though," said Brian Angle, Elizabeth's father, offering a balanced perspective on youthful activities.
Her mother added a more urgent warning: "I know kids think they are invincible. It was literally an instant. We are just regular people... you hear these stories and think, 'Oh, that will never happen to us.'"
The Brito family released a statement to local media that highlighted Gracie's exceptional character. They described her as a generous soul who consistently prioritized others above herself. "She was a kind and generous soul, full of warmth, love, and compassion," the family stated. "Even at such a young age, she showed a selflessness beyond her years... she was thrilled to get her driver's license and become an organ donor. She wanted to help anyone in need. That was Grace!"
Gracie was a dedicated All-Star athlete at Express Cheer, where her family says she approached the sport with discipline, dedication, and joy. The statement emphasized the strong bonds she formed with her teammates and coaches, describing the relationships as built on trust, love, and support.
"The days since Sunday have been unimaginably difficult," the Brito family continued. "We are taking things moment by moment and leaning on our faith, on one another, and on the overwhelming love and support from our family, friends, and community."
The tragedy has sparked broader conversations about winter safety for teenagers. Cook Children's Hospital reported that since the winter storm began, more than 50 children have been treated for sledding injuries alone. This statistic underscores the inherent risks of winter recreational activities, particularly when motorized vehicles are involved.
Safety experts warn that towing sleds behind vehicles significantly increases the danger, as speeds can quickly become uncontrollable and obstacles appear with little time to react. The combination of icy conditions, limited steering capabilities on sleds, and the power of a motor vehicle creates a hazardous situation that can turn deadly in seconds.
The Frisco community has rallied around both families, offering support through meals, memorials, and messages of condolence. Local schools have made counselors available to students struggling with the loss of their classmates, and vigils have been organized to honor the memory of the two girls.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of how quickly joy can turn to tragedy. What began as a fun afternoon adventure during a rare Texas snowstorm ended in a tragic loss that will forever impact two families and an entire community. The fact that the girls were holding onto each other during their final moments has become a poignant symbol of their friendship and the bond they shared in life and death.
As the community continues to mourn, the families' messages have evolved from pure grief to include warnings and wisdom for others. They emphasize that while having fun is important, safety must never be an afterthought. The parents' candid reflections reveal the universal belief among teenagers that they are invincible, a belief that can lead to devastating consequences when combined with risky behavior.
The story of Gracie Brito and Elizabeth Angle is one of friendship, love, and heartbreaking loss. It is also a story of community support and the strength found in faith and connection during unimaginable pain. As one family honors their daughter's final wish to save others through organ donation, and another family seeks to prevent future tragedies through awareness, their legacies will continue to touch lives.
The Frisco sledding accident has become a cautionary tale for communities everywhere, reminding parents to have difficult conversations with their children about safety, and reminding teenagers that some risks are not worth taking. In their grief, these families have found purpose, and in their loss, they hope others might find wisdom.