Two Teens Were ‘Holding on to Each Other’ During Fatal Sledding Accident: ‘Together Forever’

Elizabeth Angle and Grace ‘Gracie’ Brito were best friends and compassionate people, their families said

NEED TO KNOW

Two teenagers who died in a sledding accident are being honored by their loved ones days after the tragedy
Best friends Elizabeth Angle and Grace “Gracie” Brito were “holding on to each other” when the accident happened, Elizabeth’s mother wrote
Gracie’s family said her final wish to become an organ donor is currently being fulfilled

The two teenagers who died in a sledding accident are being remembered as sweet girls and best friends.

On Sunday, Jan. 25, Elizabeth Angle and her best friend Grace “Gracie” Brito, two 16-year-olds from Frisco, Texas, were riding on a sled that was being pulled by a Jeep when the sled hit a curb and slammed into a tree. Both girls sustained life-threatening injuries and were transported to local hospitals, where both later died.

Elizabeth’s mother, Megan Angle, honored both her daughter and Gracie in a Facebook post on Wednesday, Jan. 28. Alongside a selection of photos of the two girls together, Megan reflected on their friendship and offered her condolences to the Brito family.

“These sweet besties are together forever. I find some comfort knowing they are in heaven together. Such beautiful girls,” Megan wrote, adding, “They were holding on to each other on the sled.”

In an earlier Facebook post from Monday, Jan. 26, Megan paid tribute to her daughter. Elizabeth had just received her drivers license and a car, and “had her whole life ahead of her,” Megan wrote.

“She was a bright light, a fun spirit, a brave soul. We loved her so much,” Megan said. “Life is fleeting and precious … We will never be the same and never forget how much love she brought to our family.”

GoFundMe

In her Wednesday post, Megan remembered Gracie as a “sweet girl and a good friend” to Elizabeth, as well as a cheerleader, a Wicked lover and “a teenager that would actually converse with me.”

In a GoFundMe page set up in Elizabeth’s name, the Angle family shared that they are establishing The Elizabeth Angle Foundation to help provide scholarships to children in need so that they might pursue their passions further. Elizabeth’s parents and friends will manage the foundation, according to the fundraiser.

“In the midst of unimaginable grief, her family is committed to honoring her in a way that reflects who she was and what she cared about,” read the description for the fundraiser, which has raised nearly $49,000 as of Thursday, Jan. 29.

A separate GoFundMe created for Gracie aims to help the Brito family mitigate the unexpected financial costs of the tragedy. The page has thus far raised more than $9,000 in less than 24 hours.

“Gracie was a radiant, selfless light in the lives of everyone who knew her, and her sudden loss has left her family and friends heartbroken beyond words,” the fundraiser description read.

A separate GoFundMe created for Gracie aims to help the Brito family mitigate the unexpected financial costs of the tragedy. The page has thus far raised more than $9,000 in less than 24 hours.

“Gracie was a radiant, selfless light in the lives of everyone who knew her, and her sudden loss has left her family and friends heartbroken beyond words,” the fundraiser description read.

The Brito family told local outlet Fox 4 that Gracie was a giving person who loved helping others. The outlet reported the Brito family is currently honoring Gracie’s last wish, which was to be an organ donor.

“She was a kind and generous soul, full of warmth, love, and compassion,” the family said in a statement to Fox 4. “Even at such a young age, she showed a selflessness beyond her years.”

The family added, “We are taking things moment by moment and leaning on our faith, on one another, and on the overwhelming love and support from our family, friends, and community.”

PART 2:

The tragic incident in Frisco, Texas, on January 25, 2026, has left a community in mourning after two 16-year-old girls lost their lives in a sledding accident. The victims were Elizabeth “Lizzie” Angle and her best friend Grace “Gracie” Brito (sometimes spelled Briton in reports), both sophomores at Wakeland High School. Authorities have confirmed that the Jeep Wrangler towing the sled they were riding on was driven by another 16-year-old—a detail that has sparked questions about teen drivers’ experience, judgment, and ability to react in split-second situations during hazardous winter conditions.

The accident occurred around 2:26 p.m. in a residential area near Majestic Gardens Drive and Killian Court, amid a rare winter storm that blanketed parts of Texas with snow and ice. Frisco Police Department officials stated that a 16-year-old boy was operating the Jeep Wrangler while pulling a sled carrying the two girls. Witnesses reported that the sled struck a curb, causing it to veer off course and collide violently with a tree. The impact ejected the girls, resulting in life-threatening injuries for both.

Elizabeth Angle died shortly after being transported to a local hospital from the severe trauma sustained in the crash. Gracie Brito was rushed to the hospital in critical condition and placed on life support. Her family confirmed her passing on January 27, 2026, just two days later. In a heartbreaking statement, Gracie’s mother, Tracy Brito, described her daughter as “a kind and generous soul, full of warmth, love, and compassion.” Cheerleading was Gracie’s greatest passion, and she was remembered for her infectious energy and caring nature. Elizabeth’s family echoed similar sentiments, portraying her as a kind-spirited, bright student and soccer player who brought joy to those around her. Reports noted that the two best friends were inseparable—often seen holding onto each other during the fateful ride, a detail shared by Elizabeth’s mother that underscored their close bond even in their final moments.

Frisco Police have emphasized that all three teenagers involved were the same age: 16 years old. This uniformity in age has become a focal point of public discussion and scrutiny. In Texas, 16-year-olds with a provisional driver’s license are generally permitted to drive, but restrictions apply, such as limits on nighttime driving and passenger numbers for newly licensed teens. Towing a sled or any object behind a vehicle—especially in snowy, slippery conditions—raises additional safety concerns. While not explicitly illegal in all contexts, such activities are widely discouraged by safety experts due to the lack of control, potential for high speeds, and risks associated with uneven terrain or obstacles like curbs and trees in residential neighborhoods.

The question “Who was driving?” has been definitively answered by authorities: it was a different 16-year-old boy, not one of the girls on the sled. Some early social media posts and rumors may have caused confusion, but police statements consistently identified the driver as a separate male teen. In one report, the driver was named as Braxton Tucker, and there were mentions of manslaughter charges in connection with the deaths, though the investigation remains active with assistance from the Denton County District Attorney’s Office. Details on any formal charges or outcomes are still emerging, as officials continue to review witness accounts, vehicle data, and scene evidence.

This tragedy highlights broader issues surrounding teenage driving and winter recreation safety. At 16, drivers are still developing critical judgment, impulse control, and experience in handling unexpected hazards—skills that are tested intensely in split-second decisions, such as navigating icy roads or reacting to a sled veering off path. Experts often point out that adolescents’ brains are not fully mature until the mid-20s, particularly in areas related to risk assessment and decision-making under pressure. Towing people on sleds or tubes behind vehicles is a popular but inherently dangerous activity, especially on public roads or in neighborhoods where obstacles abound. National safety organizations, including the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and various state police departments, routinely warn against it, citing risks of collisions, ejections, and severe injuries or fatalities.

The Frisco community, including Wakeland High School and local families, has rallied in grief. Tributes have poured in online and in person, remembering the girls for their compassion, athletic involvement, and the light they brought to others. Elizabeth’s parents urged families to recognize how quickly fun winter activities can turn dangerous, calling for greater awareness. Gracie’s family honored her wish to become an organ donor, turning their unimaginable loss into a final act of generosity that could save other lives.

As investigations continue, the incident serves as a somber reminder of the responsibilities that come with driving—particularly for young operators—and the need for caution in recreational pursuits during extreme weather. In a region like North Texas, where heavy snow is infrequent, the excitement of a winter wonderland can quickly overshadow potential dangers. This heartbreaking event, involving three teens of the same age, underscores questions about preparedness, supervision, and the maturity required for such high-stakes decisions.

The loss of Elizabeth Angle and Gracie Brito has left deep scars on their families, friends, and school. Their stories remind us that behind every headline is a profound human tragedy—one that might have been prevented with greater foresight. As the community heals, the focus remains on honoring the girls’ memories while advocating for safer practices in the future.