Police in Frisco have released new details about the tragic sledding accident that claimed the lives of two 16-year-old best friends, a loss that has shaken the mountain community and left first responders deeply affected. According to authorities, the girls—identified publicly by their families as Elizabeth and Gracie—were found still holding on to each other after their sled crashed into a tree on a snowy slope. One of the teens died instantly from the impact, while the other fought for her life for an additional two days before succumbing to severe injuries. Police say the image of the two girls clinging together even after the collision is something none of the responding officers will ever be able to forget.

Emergency calls were placed shortly after witnesses reported hearing a loud, abrupt sound from the lower portion of a popular sledding area. When first responders arrived, they encountered what they described as a “silent, haunting scene”—the sled mangled near the base of a tree and the two girls lying close together in the snow. According to officials, it appeared they had instinctively held onto each other at the moment of impact and remained that way until help arrived. For several experienced responders, it was one of the most emotional scenes they had ever witnessed. “They were holding on to each other,” one officer said quietly. “Even in that moment.”

Authorities say conditions on the hill were typical for early winter—cold, icy, and busy with groups enjoying the snow—but the slope where the collision occurred was steeper than many realized. The girls’ sled reportedly gained speed rapidly, leaving them little time to react before striking the tree. Witnesses said they heard laughter seconds before the crash, followed by silence. When bystanders rushed downhill, they quickly realized the severity of the situation and called for help.

One of the teens had no pulse when authorities arrived, and attempts to resuscitate her were unsuccessful. The other was breathing faintly and was transported to a nearby medical facility before being airlifted to a trauma center. Doctors fought to stabilize her injuries, but her condition deteriorated over the next two days. Her family, kept by her bedside, ultimately confirmed her passing on the afternoon of the second day. Hospital staff said her injuries were “extensive and unsurvivable,” though they noted her parents were able to say their goodbyes.

Back at the scene, police and paramedics worked through the emotional weight of what they had witnessed. Several officers stepped away to compose themselves, while others provided support to shaken bystanders. Sledding accidents are not uncommon in Colorado’s winter regions, but responders said the emotional impact of seeing two best friends clinging to each other in their final moments was unlike anything they had encountered. One firefighter said, “They were still together. Even after everything. That’s what broke us.”

The community response in Frisco has been immediate and overwhelming. Friends of the two teens have described their bond as inseparable, saying the girls were known for their kindness, humor, and deep loyalty to one another. School officials said counseling services have been made available for students struggling to process the loss. Vigils have already been planned, with classmates organizing candlelight gatherings and placing flowers, handwritten notes, and photographs at the edge of the sledding hill.

Parents in the community have also expressed shock and heartbreak, many of them saying the tragedy feels unbearably close to home. Local authorities emphasized that while sledding is a cherished winter activity, it also carries risks—especially in areas with trees, unprotected drops, or compacted ice. Safety guidelines are being recirculated across the region, urging families to choose open, obstacle-free slopes and to wear helmets whenever possible. Officials stressed, however, that the families should not be blamed. “This was a tragic accident,” one officer said. “Nothing more.”

Weather conditions on the day of the crash included fresh snow from the previous night layered over older, hardened ice. Officials believe this may have caused the sled to accelerate faster than normal. The type of sled involved, while common, provides little steering control. Investigators say all evidence indicates the girls were simply enjoying the day, unaware of how quickly the slope could become dangerous.

As the investigation continues, police are working to provide answers to the families while also supporting first responders affected by the emotional impact. Several officers have been offered counseling due to the intensity of the scene. “We train for everything,” a senior officer said. “But nothing prepares you for finding two kids like that, holding each other. You carry that with you.”

The families of the girls have expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of support, asking for privacy as they navigate unimaginable grief. In a brief statement, one family described the girls as “beautiful souls who brought light to everyone around them” and said the thought of them being together in their final moments brings “a small measure of comfort.” Another family member said, “They were best friends in life, and it appears they were best friends in the end.”

As the town of Frisco mourns, community members have begun discussing ways to improve sledding safety, including adding protective barriers around trees, installing clearer signage, or designating supervised sledding zones. While officials say no single measure can eliminate all risk, they are open to exploring preventive ideas in the hope of avoiding future tragedies.

For now, however, the focus remains on mourning, remembering, and supporting those affected. The slope where the accident occurred has become a place of quiet reflection, with footprints scattered around bouquets, candles, and handwritten messages. Among the tributes, one note reads: “You held on to each other. We will hold on to you.”

Police say the image of the two girls together will stay with them for a long time. “Some scenes,” one officer said, “don’t leave you. This is one of them.”