Two 16-year-old best friends, Elizabeth “Lizzie” Angle and Grace “Gracie” Brito, were enjoying a rare snowy day in Frisco, Texas, on January 25, 2026, when a simple sledding game turned deadly. The girls, sophomores at Frisco Wakeland High School, were being pulled on a sled attached to a Jeep Wrangler driven by a 16-year-old classmate through a quiet neighborhood near Majestic Gardens Drive and Killian Court. What started as laughter and excitement ended in tragedy when the sled struck a curb, veered off course, and slammed into a tree.
The incident occurred shortly before 2:30 p.m. amid a winter storm that blanketed North Texas with snow and ice, creating hazardous conditions rarely seen in the region. Witnesses described the scene as joyful at first: the Jeep moving slowly through the streets, the girls holding on tightly to each other and the sled rope, giggling as they glided behind the vehicle. One neighbor, Mark Fischer, who was walking his dog, recalled seeing the group pass by. He noted the Jeep accelerating “really quickly” around a corner, followed by the girls’ screams—sounds he initially couldn’t tell were from thrill or terror. Moments later, he lost sight of them, only to learn of the horrific outcome.
Frisco police arrived quickly after receiving emergency calls. Officers found both girls with life-threatening injuries near the collision site. Paramedics performed life-saving measures on the scene before rushing them to local hospitals. Elizabeth Angle succumbed to her injuries shortly after arrival, while Grace Brito was placed on life support. Tragically, Brito passed away on January 28, 2026, leaving families, friends, and an entire community devastated.
The driver, a 16-year-old boy operating the Jeep Wrangler, was not injured. Police have emphasized that preliminary findings show no indication of alcohol or drug involvement by any party. The investigation, supported by the Denton County District Attorney’s Office, remains active as authorities piece together the exact sequence of events.
Central to growing concerns is emerging CCTV and doorbell camera footage from the neighborhood. Multiple angles captured the Jeep’s path in the moments leading up to the crash. Witnesses and initial reviews suggest the vehicle accelerated sharply just before the turn where the accident occurred. On icy roads, even moderate speeds can become dangerous when towing a sled—physics dictates that the sled can whip around corners faster than the pulling vehicle, losing control easily. Fischer’s account of “acceleration… especially when it’s ice like this” has fueled speculation that excessive speed contributed significantly. Investigators are now deeply focused on determining the Jeep’s precise velocity at impact, using video enhancement, vehicle data if available, and witness statements to assess whether safer, slower towing could have prevented the tragedy.
The girls were described by loved ones as inseparable best friends full of kindness and life. Elizabeth’s parents remembered her as a “kind-spirited” teenager with her whole future ahead, while Gracie’s family mourned the loss of their vibrant daughter. Community members noted the girls were holding onto each other tightly during the ride, a detail that has become symbolic in tributes: “together forever” in life and in death. Frisco High School and the broader community have held vigils, shared memories online, and offered support to grieving families.
This heartbreaking event highlights the hidden dangers of a popular winter activity: towing sleds behind vehicles. While often seen as harmless fun—especially in areas like Texas where snow is rare—the practice carries severe risks. The sudden loss of control on slippery surfaces, combined with momentum from acceleration, can turn playful outings catastrophic. National statistics show thousands of sledding-related injuries annually, with many involving towed sleds on roads or driveways. Experts warn that speeds as low as 15-20 mph can be deadly when a sled hits an obstacle, as the riders have no steering or braking ability.
Frisco police have urged caution and awareness, reminding residents that winter weather amplifies everyday risks. The surge in sledding injuries during the recent storm led to 52 hospitalizations at Cook Children’s Medical Center alone. Parents of the victims have spoken out, pleading with others to prioritize safety over thrills. “It all happened so fast,” one family member echoed, a sentiment repeated across reports as the community grapples with how quickly joy turned to irreversible loss.
As the investigation continues, questions mount: Was the speed appropriate for icy conditions? Could slower towing or different routes have made a difference? Why do such preventable accidents keep occurring? The answers may influence future safety guidelines in neighborhoods facing unusual weather.
Elizabeth and Gracie deserved more snowy days filled with laughter, not this abrupt ending. Their story serves as a stark reminder: even innocent fun requires vigilance. In Frisco and beyond, families are hugging tighter, slowing down, and remembering two bright lives cut short far too soon.