A suburban community is reeling this week as it grapples with the heartbreaking loss of two 16-year-old girls following a high-speed sledding accident that turned a snowy weekend into a nightmare.
The incident, which occurred on the afternoon of Sunday, Jan. 25, has claimed the lives of Elizabeth Angle and Grace “Gracie” Brito, two best friends described by those who knew them as “inseparable.”
A Joyride Turns Fatal
Frisco Police officers were dispatched to a distress call at approximately 2:26 p.m. on Sunday, responding to reports of multiple juveniles injured in a sledding incident. According to investigators, the teens had hitched a sled to the rear of a Jeep Wrangler driven by another teenager. The outing took a tragic turn when the sled struck a curb and collided violently with a tree.
Elizabeth Angle died at the scene. Gracie Brito was rushed to a local hospital and remained on life support for two days. On Tuesday, Jan. 27, her family confirmed that she had also passed away.
Authorities have confirmed that alcohol was not a factor in the crash. However, witness accounts suggest that speed played a critical role in the tragedy.
“The Jeep accelerated really fast,” neighbor Mark Fischer told KTVT. “The girls were screaming before disappearing around a corner. On ice like this, to be going that fast, a sled can’t stop.”
Remembering Gracie: A Leader on the Mat
In the wake of the loss, Gracie’s mother, Tracy Brito, spoke of a daughter who was a “kind and generous soul, full of warmth, love, and compassion.”
A bubbly and strong-willed teenager, Gracie was a prominent figure in the local cheerleading circuit, competing as an All-Star cheerleader at Express Dance & Cheer. Her coaches and teammates remembered her as a natural leader who approached her sport with “discipline, dedication, and joy.”
“We will continue to honor Gracie every way we can and look for her in everything we do,” Express Dance & Cheer said in a tribute.
Gracie, who had recently earned her driver’s license, had also made the selfless decision to register as an organ donor—a final act of generosity that her family says reflects her radiant and selfless nature.
Remembering Elizabeth: A Rising Star
Elizabeth Angle, a sophomore at Wakeland High School, was a gifted athlete and a rising star for the FC Dallas 2009G club soccer team. Her mother, Megan Angle, shared that Elizabeth had been looking forward to the rare snowy weekend with her closest friends.
In a poignant Facebook post shared on Wednesday, Jan. 28, Megan Angle reflected on the unbreakable bond between the two girls, sharing photos of them through the years.
“These sweet besties are together forever. I find some comfort knowing they are in heaven together,” Megan wrote. In a detail that underscores the girls’ closeness until the very end, she added, “They were holding on to each other on the sled.”
A Legacy of Giving
As the families navigate unimaginable grief, they are already working to ensure the girls’ legacies live on.
The Angle family has announced the launch of The Elizabeth Angle Foundation, an organization dedicated to providing scholarships for children in need to help them pursue their passions. A GoFundMe page for the foundation has already seen an outpouring of support, raising nearly $65,000 as of Friday morning.
A separate fundraiser for the Brito family has also seen significant community engagement, raising over $12,000 in less than 24 hours to assist with unexpected financial burdens.
Investigation Ongoing
As the community gathers for vigils and memorials, the Frisco Police Department continues its investigation into the circumstances of the crash. Officials have urged the public to remain patient and respectful.
“Please be mindful of sharing unverified information, as it can add unnecessary pain to those grieving,” the department stated in a recent update.
From the soccer fields to the cheer mats of Frisco, the loss of these two young lives—both described as full of promise and light—has left a void that will be felt for years to come.
