Two 16-year-old best friends from Frisco, Texas, lost their lives in a devastating sledding accident that has left the community grieving and authorities probing the role of vehicle speed. Elizabeth “Lizzy” Angle and Grace “Gracie” Brito were inseparable—classmates at Wakeland High School, teammates in sports, and constant companions whose bond was unbreakable. On Sunday, January 25, 2026, they decided to enjoy the rare snowfall blanketing North Texas by riding a sled towed by a Jeep Wrangler driven by another 16-year-old boy from their neighborhood.
What started as carefree winter fun turned catastrophic around 2:20 p.m. Witnesses described the sled hitting a curb at high speed, causing it to veer violently and slam into a tree. The impact ejected both girls, inflicting life-threatening injuries. Emergency responders rushed them to local hospitals, but Elizabeth succumbed to her injuries shortly after arrival. Gracie fought bravely on life support for two more days before passing away on January 27. Their deaths came amid a broader storm system that claimed 62 lives across affected areas, but this incident stands out for its heartbreaking youth and preventability.
Nearby residents told police the collision happened so suddenly that “it all happened so fast.” Several heard the loud impact and rushed to the scene, where they found the girls gravely injured. Frisco Police Department investigators have focused intensely on the speed of the towing vehicle. While the exact velocity remains under review, preliminary findings suggest the Jeep was traveling faster than appropriate for safely towing a sled through a residential area with potential obstacles like curbs and trees. CCTV footage from nearby homes and street cameras has captured key moments leading up to the crash, including the Jeep’s path and the sled’s trajectory. Officials are analyzing the video frame by frame to determine if excessive speed contributed to the loss of control when the sled struck the curb.
The driver, whose identity has not been publicly released due to his age, cooperated with authorities and has not faced immediate charges. The investigation, assisted by the Denton County District Attorney’s Office, is examining factors such as road conditions from the snow, the towing setup (including rope length and attachment), and whether the speed was reckless given the circumstances. Texas law requires careful operation when towing sleds or similar devices, especially in neighborhoods, and violations can lead to charges like negligent homicide if gross negligence is proven.
Elizabeth was a talented soccer player known for her competitive spirit and kindness on and off the field. Her teammates at Wakeland High remembered her as a leader who always encouraged others. She left behind two younger sisters who adored her. Gracie, a dedicated cheerleader, brought joy wherever she went with her bright personality and generosity. Her family described her as a “kind and generous soul, full of warmth, love, and compassion,” whose greatest passion was cheer. In a final act of selflessness, Gracie was honored as an organ donor, fulfilling her wish to help others even in tragedy.
The families have been devastated by the double loss. Elizabeth’s mother shared that the girls were “holding on to each other” during the ride, emphasizing their unbreakable friendship even in the final moments—“together forever.” Gracie’s mother, Tracy Brito, spoke to local media about the inseparable bond, noting how the girls lit up every room. Community support has poured in through vigils, social media tributes, and fundraisers for funeral expenses. Wakeland High School issued statements of mourning, offering counseling to students grappling with the grief.
This tragedy highlights the dangers of improvised winter activities in areas unaccustomed to heavy snow. Experts warn that towing sleds behind vehicles requires low speeds, clear paths, and constant driver vigilance to avoid sudden stops or turns that can cause wipeouts. The rare Texas snowfall created excitement, but it also masked hazards like icy curbs and uneven terrain. Authorities are using this incident to remind residents of safety guidelines: use designated sledding hills, avoid roads and vehicles for towing, and never exceed walking speed when pulling others.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on understanding the sequence of events through witness accounts, vehicle data, and that pivotal CCTV footage. The speed concern stems from how quickly the sled lost stability after hitting the curb—suggesting momentum played a critical role. No alcohol or drugs have been reported as factors, and the driver’s youth adds layers of complexity to any potential legal outcomes.
Frisco, a growing suburb north of Dallas, has rallied around the families. Memorials at the school and neighborhood feature flowers, candles, and messages honoring the girls’ spirits. Classmates share stories of their laughter, kindness, and dreams cut short. The loss of two vibrant teens in such a preventable way has prompted calls for greater awareness about winter recreation safety.
Elizabeth and Gracie’s story is a stark reminder of life’s fragility. They were simply enjoying a snowy day with friends, never imagining it would end in heartbreak. Their families cling to memories of joy, while the community mourns what could have been. As investigators piece together the final seconds, the hope is for answers that bring some measure of closure—and lessons that prevent future tragedies.
