The rare winter storm that blanketed North Texas in late January 2026 brought unexpected joy to many, but for two 16-year-old best friends in Frisco, it ended in unimaginable tragedy. Elizabeth “Lizzy” Angle and Grace “Gracie” Brito, inseparable sophomores at Wakeland High School, decided to make the most of the snowfall by hitching a ride on a sled towed behind a Jeep Wrangler driven by another 16-year-old neighborhood boy. What began as innocent fun near Majestic Gardens Drive and Killian Court around 2:20 p.m. on Sunday, January 25, turned deadly when the sled struck a curb, lost control, and slammed into a tree.
Witnesses described the scene as sudden and shocking. Nearby residents reported hearing a loud collision, prompting them to rush outside where they found the girls severely injured on the ground. One neighbor told police, “It all happened so fast,” capturing the bewilderment shared by those who arrived moments later. Emergency services transported both teens to local hospitals with life-threatening injuries. Elizabeth succumbed shortly after arrival, while Gracie was placed on life support. Despite the medical team’s efforts, Gracie passed away on Tuesday, January 27, two days after the accident.
Frisco Police Department investigators quickly zeroed in on the speed of the towing vehicle as a primary concern. Preliminary reviews of CCTV footage from nearby homes and street cameras revealed the Jeep moving at a velocity that appeared excessive for safely pulling a sled through a residential neighborhood. The video captures the Jeep accelerating along the road before the sled hits the curb, causing it to spin out of control and collide with the tree. While exact speed measurements are still being calculated through forensic analysis of the footage, frame-by-frame examination shows the vehicle traveling faster than what experts consider safe—typically no more than walking pace—for such an activity to avoid sudden jolts or loss of stability.
The towing setup itself has come under scrutiny. The sled was attached via a rope or similar tether, a common but risky improvisation during rare snowy weather in Texas. Authorities are examining rope length, attachment points, and whether the driver maintained proper control. No alcohol, drugs, or other impairing substances have been reported as factors, and the young driver cooperated fully, providing statements and access to the vehicle. Due to his age, his identity remains protected, and no charges have been filed pending completion of the investigation, which involves the Denton County District Attorney’s Office.
Elizabeth and Gracie were more than just classmates—they were true best friends whose lives intertwined through school, sports, and shared dreams. Elizabeth excelled as a soccer player at Wakeland High, known for her competitive drive, leadership on the field, and kindness off it. Teammates recalled her as someone who lifted others up, always ready with encouragement. She left behind two younger sisters who idolized her big-sister energy. Gracie shone as a cheerleader, bringing warmth, compassion, and joy to everyone around her. Her family described her as “a kind and generous soul, full of warmth, love, and compassion,” with cheer as her greatest passion. In a final selfless act, Gracie fulfilled her wish to become an organ donor, allowing her legacy to save lives even after her own was cut short.
The girls’ families have shared raw, emotional tributes that highlight their unbreakable bond. Elizabeth’s mother revealed that during the ride, the two were “holding on to each other,” a detail that underscores their closeness even in those final moments—“together forever.” Gracie’s mother, Tracy Brito, spoke openly about the inseparable pair, noting how they lit up every space they entered. The double loss has devastated the tight-knit Frisco community, where Wakeland High School has offered counseling and support to grieving students and staff. Memorials have sprung up at the school and in the neighborhood, adorned with flowers, candles, sports jerseys, cheer pom-poms, and heartfelt messages honoring their spirits.
This incident occurred amid a larger winter storm that claimed dozens of lives across multiple states, but the Frisco case stands out for its youth and the preventable nature of the activity. Towing sleds behind vehicles, while tempting during snow events in regions unaccustomed to them, carries significant risks: uneven terrain, hidden curbs, ice patches, and the potential for high speeds to amplify any mishap. Safety experts emphasize using designated sledding hills away from roads, avoiding vehicle towing altogether, and keeping speeds extremely low if towing is attempted. The Frisco Police have used the tragedy to issue public reminders about winter recreation dangers, urging caution in future snowfalls.
The CCTV footage has become central to understanding the sequence. It shows the Jeep’s path, the sled’s initial stability, the sudden jolt upon hitting the curb, and the violent impact with the tree that ejected both girls. Investigators continue to analyze vehicle data, witness statements, and any onboard telematics to build a complete picture. The concern over speed stems from how rapidly the sled destabilized—momentum from faster travel likely prevented recovery after the curb strike.
Community response has been overwhelming. Fundraisers for funeral costs, vigils, and social media tributes have flooded in, with classmates sharing stories of the girls’ laughter, kindness, and bright futures. Wakeland High issued statements mourning the loss of two vibrant students whose absence leaves a profound void. The accident has sparked broader conversations about youth safety during unusual weather events, with calls for education on improvised activities.
Elizabeth and Gracie’s story is a painful reminder of how quickly joy can turn to sorrow. They were simply embracing a rare snowy day with friends, never foreseeing the outcome. Their families hold tight to cherished memories, while Frisco mourns what was stolen too soon. As the investigation unfolds, the hope is for clarity that provides some solace and prevents similar heartbreaks in the future.
