Two inseparable 16-year-old sophomores from Frisco Wakeland High School, Elizabeth “Lizzie” Angle and Grace “Gracie” Brito, set out for what should have been a joyful afternoon during a rare North Texas snowstorm on January 25, 2026. The best friends, known for their kindness, laughter, and unbreakable bond, decided to go sledding in their quiet Frisco neighborhood near Majestic Gardens Drive and Killian Court. A 16-year-old classmate offered to pull them on a sled attached to his Jeep Wrangler, turning a simple winter thrill into an activity that promised giggles and memories.

The scene began innocently enough. Neighbors watching from windows or walking dogs saw the Jeep moving through snow-covered streets, the girls holding on tightly to each other and the rope, their laughter carrying through the crisp air. For a brief moment, it looked like classic teenage fun—something rare in a state where snow days are celebrated like holidays. But joy turned to horror in an instant. Witnesses reported the Jeep accelerating sharply around a corner, the sled whipping behind it on the icy pavement. The sled struck a curb, lost control, and slammed violently into a tree. The impact was devastating.

Frisco police and fire crews responded swiftly to emergency calls around 2:26 p.m. They found both girls with life-threatening injuries at the scene. Paramedics worked urgently to stabilize them before transporting to nearby hospitals. Elizabeth Angle succumbed to her injuries shortly after arrival, her family devastated by the sudden loss. Grace Brito fought on life support for several days, but her family confirmed her passing on January 28, 2026. She fulfilled her wish to become an organ donor, a final act of generosity that reflected the compassionate spirit friends and family described.

The driver, the 16-year-old boy operating the Jeep, emerged uninjured. Preliminary investigations by Frisco police, in coordination with the Denton County District Attorney’s Office, found no evidence of alcohol or drugs. The focus has shifted to the vehicle’s speed and the inherent dangers of towing a sled on slick roads. Multiple doorbell cameras and nearby CCTV footage captured the Jeep’s path in the lead-up to the crash. Witnesses, including one resident walking his dog, described the acceleration as “really quick,” especially dangerous on ice where traction is minimal. The sled’s momentum on a turn can exceed the pulling vehicle’s speed, making control nearly impossible without careful pacing.

Experts on winter recreation emphasize that even modest speeds become lethal when towing sleds. The riders have no ability to steer or brake, relying entirely on the driver. On icy surfaces, a sudden jerk or acceleration can cause the sled to fishtail or veer unpredictably. In this case, the curb strike likely amplified the force, propelling the girls into the tree at high velocity. Investigators are analyzing the video footage frame by frame, potentially cross-referencing with vehicle telemetry if available, to determine exact speeds. Questions swirl: Was the acceleration appropriate for conditions? Could a slower, steadier pull have kept the sled stable?

The community response has been overwhelming. Frisco Wakeland High School, where both girls were sophomores, held emotional vigils and counseling sessions. Elizabeth was remembered as a kind-spirited soccer player with dreams ahead; Grace as a vibrant cheerleader whose smile lit up rooms. Tributes online highlight their closeness—photos of them arm-in-arm, messages calling them “together forever.” One family member poignantly noted the girls were “holding on to each other” during the ride, a detail that has become a heartbreaking symbol in memorials.

This tragedy underscores broader risks of sledding behind vehicles, a practice often seen as harmless but statistically dangerous. National data shows thousands of sled-related injuries yearly, with towed sleds on roads accounting for severe cases involving head trauma, fractures, and fatalities. The recent winter storm in North Texas amplified dangers, leading to a surge in incidents—Cook Children’s Medical Center alone reported 52 sledding-related hospitalizations over the weekend. Parents and safety advocates urge alternatives like hills away from traffic or hand-pulled sleds.

Frisco police have reiterated calls for caution, reminding residents that rare snow does not erase physics or risk. The victims’ families have spoken publicly, sharing memories while pleading for awareness. Elizabeth’s parents described their daughter as loving and community-oriented, urging others to think twice about high-speed towing. Grace’s mother highlighted her daughter’s final generous act, turning grief into a message of hope through organ donation.

As the investigation deepens, the role of speed remains central. Enhanced CCTV analysis may reveal whether excessive velocity on ice contributed decisively. Whatever the findings, the loss of two bright young lives has left Frisco forever changed. Elizabeth and Grace deserved more snowy adventures, more laughter with friends, more tomorrows. Their story stands as a painful reminder: in the rush of excitement, safety must never be an afterthought. Slowing down could have meant more days of joy instead of irreversible heartbreak.