A community in Texas is mourning after a heartbreaking sledding accident claimed the lives of two teenage girls over the past week.
On Sunday, Jan. 25, the Frisco Police Department responded to a distress call around 2:26 p.m., reporting multiple juveniles injured during a sledding incident.
The teens, both 16, had hitched a sled to the back of a Jeep Wrangler driven by another teen. Tragically, the sled struck a curb and slammed into a tree.
One of the girls, later identified by family and friends as Elizabeth Angle, died at the scene. Her best friend, Grace “Gracie” Brito, remained on life support following the crash, but her family confirmed she passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 27.
Gracie’s mother, Tracy, shared the depth of the family’s grief in a statement:
“We are a family of four — myself, my husband, Grace, and Emma,” she said, noting that Emma is a freshman at Louisiana State University.
“Our family is heartbroken and devastated by the loss of our beautiful daughter, Gracie. She was a kind and generous soul, full of warmth, love, and compassion.”
Tracy described her daughter as a creative, strong-willed, and bubbly teen who thrived on friendship and teamwork. Gracie had recently earned her driver’s license and proudly registered as an organ donor, planning to help others even in life.
“Cheer was her greatest passion,” Tracy said. “She approached the sport with discipline, dedication, and joy.”
Gracie competed as an All-Star cheerleader at Express Dance & Cheer in Frisco, where the organization remembered her as a natural leader:
“We will continue to honor Gracie every way we can and look for her in everything we do. Her kindness and optimism will never be forgotten, and we will hold her memory close to our hearts. Our Express family will always have a guardian angel looking over us, and we cling to the fact that Gracie is eternally safe and surrounded by peace.”
Elizabeth Angle, a Wakeland High School sophomore and rising soccer star for the FC Dallas 2009G club team, was inseparable from Gracie. Friends and family described the girls as lifelong companions.
“She was one of Grace’s best friends,” Tracy said. “They were always together at each other’s house.”
Elizabeth’s mother, Megan Angle, said her daughter had just received her driver’s license and was looking forward to spending a snowy weekend with friends. Megan paid tribute to both her daughter and Gracie in a heartfelt Facebook post on Wednesday, Jan. 28.
Sharing a series of photos of the girls together, Megan reflected on their unbreakable bond and extended her condolences to the Brito family.
“These sweet besties are together forever. I find some comfort knowing they are in heaven together. Such beautiful girls,” Megan wrote, adding,
“They were holding on to each other on the sled.”
”Accelerated really fast”
The accident occurred as the girls were pulled behind a Jeep Wrangler. A neighbor who witnessed the moments before the crash described the terrifying scene:
“The Jeep accelerated really fast,” Mark Fischer told KTVT. “The girls were screaming before disappearing around a corner. On ice like this, to be going that fast, a sled can’t stop.”
Authorities confirmed that alcohol was not involved in the incident and that the investigation is ongoing.
“Please be mindful of sharing unverified information, as it can add unnecessary pain to those grieving,” the Frisco Police Department urged.
On a GoFundMe page created in Elizabeth’s honor, her family announced the launch of The Elizabeth Angle Foundation, designed to provide scholarships for children in need, helping them pursue their passions. The foundation will be managed by Elizabeth’s parents and close friends, according to the fundraiser.
“In the midst of unimaginable grief, her family is committed to honoring her in a way that reflects who she was and what she cared about,” the fundraiser description reads. As of Friday, Jan. 30, it had already raised nearly $65,000.
A separate GoFundMe set up for Gracie aims to assist the Brito family with the unexpected financial burdens caused by the tragedy. In under 24 hours, the page had already raised more than $12,000.
“Gracie was a radiant, selfless light in the lives of everyone who knew her, and her sudden loss has left her family and friends heartbroken beyond words,” the fundraiser description stated.
The loss of Elizabeth and Gracie has left the Frisco community in shock.
From the soccer field to the cheer mat, both girls were admired for their courage, joy, and dedication. Their families, friends, and teammates are left to grieve the tragic loss of two young lives that were full of promise.
