🚨 What started as innocent winter fun ended in unimaginable heartbreak – a teen’s life snatched away in seconds on a snowy street. Her parents’ chilling words: “It happened in an instant… kids think they’re invincible.” But what deadly mistake turned joy into tragedy? You won’t believe the twist that left a community shattered. Click now before it’s too late – this could happen to anyone.

In the midst of a rare winter storm that blanketed North Texas with snow and ice, a seemingly harmless afternoon of sledding turned deadly for two 16-year-old best friends in Frisco. Elizabeth “Lizzie” Angle, a sophomore at Wakeland High School, and Gracie Brito, a dedicated cheerleader, lost their lives after the sled they were riding—towed by a Jeep—crashed into a tree. Now, as the community grapples with the loss, Elizabeth’s parents are speaking out, sharing cherished memories of their daughter while issuing stark warnings about the hidden dangers of winter play.

The incident unfolded on a quiet residential street in Frisco on Sunday afternoon, January 25, 2026, amid slippery conditions from the ongoing winter weather. According to Frisco police reports, a 16-year-old male was behind the wheel of a Jeep Wrangler, pulling the two girls on a sled along the roadway. Witnesses described the scene: the sled, unable to brake or steer effectively on the icy surface, struck a curb at the intersection of Majestic Gardens Drive and Killian Court. The impact propelled the sled into a nearby tree, leaving both teens critically injured.

First responders arrived swiftly, performing life-saving measures on-site before rushing the girls to a local hospital. Elizabeth Angle was pronounced dead shortly after arrival, succumbing to her injuries. Her best friend, Gracie Brito, fought for her life in the intensive care unit but passed away on Wednesday, January 28, according to a statement from her family. The driver of the Jeep was unharmed, and no immediate arrests were made. The Frisco Police Department is conducting a thorough investigation, with the Denton County District Attorney’s Office set to review the case for potential charges. Authorities have not released the driver’s identity, citing his minor status.

Elizabeth Angle’s parents, Megan and Brian Angle, sat down with FOX 4’s Peyton Yager just days after the tragedy to honor their daughter’s memory and highlight the perils of such activities. Seated in their Frisco home, surrounded by photos of Lizzie in her soccer uniform, the couple painted a picture of a vibrant young woman whose kindness touched everyone she met. “She was really pretty inside and out,” Brian Angle said, his voice steady but laced with emotion. “And goofy.” Megan added, “We are just regular people. We just try to be good parents, and it’s just one of those where you hear these stories like, oh, that will never happen to me. And it did.”

Lizzie was a standout athlete, playing soccer for Wakeland High School’s varsity team and an FC Dallas club squad. Her passion for the sport was evident in her dedication—balancing schoolwork, practices, and games with a smile. Friends and coaches remembered her as a team player who lifted others up, often encouraging teammates during tough matches. “If Elizabeth was sitting here right now and you asked her what she would want to tell everybody, she would just tell you to be kind,” Brian recalled. “That was her thing.” The Angles shared stories of Lizzie’s everyday joys: family game nights, cheering on her favorite teams, and spending time with Gracie, her inseparable best friend.

Gracie Brito, equally beloved in her community, was a star at Express Cheer, an All-Star cheerleading program where she honed her skills with discipline and enthusiasm. Her family described her as a “kind and generous soul full of warmth, love, compassion, and selflessness.” In a heartfelt statement released after her passing, the Britos highlighted Gracie’s joy in the sport and her close bonds with teammates and coaches. “She approached her sport with discipline, dedication, and joy,” they said. Tragically, even in death, Gracie’s generosity shone through—she was an organ donor, a decision that will save lives and reflect her selfless nature.

The two girls’ friendship was the stuff of teenage dreams: shared laughs, adventures, and now, a shared fate. Megan Angle posted on social media about the comfort she found in knowing “these sweet besties are together forever.” In her interview, she recounted the harrowing details: “They were holding on to each other” as the sled careened out of control. The parents’ grief is palpable, yet they channeled it into a message for others. “I know kids think they are invincible,” Megan warned. “It was literally an instant.” Brian echoed the sentiment: “If there is anything learned from this situation, it’s go out and have fun. Be safe, though.”

This tragedy has reignited discussions about sledding safety, particularly the risks of towing sleds behind vehicles. Experts from the American Academy of Pediatrics have long cautioned against such practices, noting that sleds lack brakes and steering, making them prone to accidents on uneven or icy terrain. “Snow and ice create extremely slippery surfaces that can lead to serious or deadly accidents,” a Frisco police spokesperson said in a statement. Pediatricians in the area urged parents to discuss these risks with their children before venturing out. “It’s not just about helmets—it’s about avoiding high-speed activities that can go wrong in a heartbeat,” one local doctor told reporters.

In Frisco, a suburb of Dallas known for its family-friendly vibe and rapid growth, the incident has cast a shadow over what was otherwise a playful snow day. Schools were closed due to the weather, giving kids a rare opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. But as reports of the accident spread, local officials amplified warnings. The Cross Timbers Gazette reported that area leaders, including those in nearby Flower Mound and Denton County, reminded residents of the dangers. “I hope everyone is doing well during this winter weather,” one official posted online, before pivoting to the sobering news.

The community response has been overwhelming. A makeshift memorial sprang up at the crash site, adorned with flowers, soccer balls, cheer pom-poms, and notes from friends. Wakeland High School announced plans to honor Elizabeth during second period once classes resume, with grief counselors available for students and staff. “Our hearts are heavy,” a school statement read. “Lizzie’s spirit will live on in the halls and on the field.” Express Cheer held a vigil for Gracie, where teammates shared stories of her infectious energy. “She was the one who always had a hug ready,” one coach said.

Social media has amplified the families’ messages. On X (formerly Twitter), journalist Jala Washington shared photos provided by the Angles, showing Lizzie’s bright smile and athletic prowess. The post garnered thousands of views, with users expressing condolences and sharing their own near-misses with winter mishaps. Facebook groups like Caddo Mama Bears circulated the story, urging parents to heed the warnings. “She suffered balance issues, double vision, headaches… So please, use our story,” one repost read, referencing past concussion awareness tied to the Angles’ plea.

As the investigation continues, questions linger about accountability. Was the driver reckless? Could better road salting have prevented the slip? Denton County prosecutors will decide, but for now, the focus remains on healing. The Angles have expressed no bitterness, instead emphasizing prevention. “We just don’t want her name to go away,” Brian said. Megan found solace in her faith: “I really could feel her. And that made me feel really comforted. I believe she is in a better place. And we will see her again.”

This isn’t the first sledding fatality in Texas—though rare due to infrequent snow—but it underscores a national issue. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, sledding accidents send thousands to emergency rooms annually, with head injuries being the most common. In states unaccustomed to winter weather, like Texas, the risks are amplified by inexperience and inadequate preparation.

Frisco residents are now calling for more public awareness campaigns. “We need signs, PSAs—something to remind people,” one parent told local media. City officials have responded by increasing patrols in snowy neighborhoods and posting safety tips online: Wear helmets, avoid streets, never tow behind vehicles, and supervise children closely.

As the snow melts and life returns to normal, the Angles and Britos face an altered reality. Their daughters’ legacies—kindness, athleticism, friendship—will endure through scholarships, memorials, and the stories shared. But the pain is raw. “These unimaginably difficult days,” the Britos wrote, “we lean on our faith, family, and community.”

In a final plea, Megan Angle addressed fellow parents: “Have those conversations. It could save a life.” As North Texas thaws, the lesson remains frozen in time: Fun in the snow can turn fatal without caution. The Frisco community, united in grief, vows to remember Elizabeth and Gracie not just for how they died, but for how they lived.