Teen cheerleader and soccer star best friend killed in horror sledding accident

The families of two teenage girls have issued a heartbreaking tribute to the best friends, after the pair died in a horror sledding accident.

A teenage cheerleader and her best friend have died days apart, after a horror sledding accident unfolded in the US as much of the country was plagued with freezing temperatures and wild snow storms.

Grace Brito, 16, suffered life-threatening injuries alongside close friend Elizabeth Angle, after the pair smashed into a tree as they were pulled on a sled by a Jeep.

The devastating incident happened just outside Dallas Fort Worth in Texas, when the girls were enjoying sledding with friends, police said.

The pair were riding on a sled being pulled by a Jeep Wrangler driven by another teen. It is understood the sled hit a curb, submerged in snow and then a tree.

Following the crash, both girls were taken to the hospital.

Elizabeth, who was a star soccer player, died soon after arrival to the hospital, while Grace died a few days later after being in a critical condition and on life support.

Grace was in a critical condition in ICU prior her death following the crash.

Elizabeth Angle died shortly after the accident.
In a statement published by CBS News, Grace’s mother, Tracy Brito, said the family were totally “shattered” by the loss of the 16-year-old.

“We are a family of four – myself, my husband, Grace and Emma,” she wrote.

“Our family is heartbroken and devastated by the loss of our beautiful daughter, Gracie.”

Ms Brito described Grace as “a kind and generous soul, full of love, affection, and warmth,” and as a young woman with “gentle strength, compassion and a deep instinct to care for others.”

“She valued teamwork, friendship, and encouragement, and she took pride in lifting others up,” her mother said of the dedicated All-Star cheerleader.

“She was creative, strong‑minded, and a very bubbly girl.”

Ms Brito said that her daughter and Elizabeth were inseparable, one of Grace’s best friends and “always together”.

Grace, right, was an All-Star cheer competitor, while Elizabeth, left, was a “soccer star”.

Elizabeth Angle and Grace Brito died after a sledding accident in Texas on Sunday
Elizabeth’s parents told CBS news affiliate WTVT that their daughter was a kind and outgoing teenager who leaves behind two sisters, ages 12 and 18.

In a post on social media, Elizabeth’s distraught mother — Megan Angle — made a heartfelt post about the “utter shock” of losing her daughter.

“It is with deep despair and utter shock that Brian and I announce the passing of our beautiful 16 year old girl, Elizabeth Marie Angle,” Ms Angle’s post read.

“She was a bright light, a fun spirit, a brave soul. We loved her so much.

“She just got a car and a licence and had her whole life ahead of her. It was all taken away so abruptly in a sledding accident.”

Ms Angle went on to say life is “fleeting and precious”.

“I take comfort that she had people helping her til the end,” she added.

“We will never be the same and never forget how much love she brought to our family. Please lift her up in prayer.”

The location where the accident happened.
According to the US Sun, the winter storm deaths nationwide hit at least 62 across the country, with officials blaming the brutal cold, snow and ice for fatalities across multiple states.

According to People, an investigation into the crash is ongoing. Ryan Thomas, a spokesperson for the Frisco Police Department in Texas, said that the Denton County District Attorney’s Office will determine if criminal charges will be pursued.

Family members and close friends have recounted that the girls were debating whether to hop on the sled being towed by a Jeep Wrangler driven by another 16-year-old boy in a snowy residential neighborhood near Majestic Gardens Drive and Killian Court. Gracie initially hesitated—she said no—perhaps sensing the risks on the icy, unfamiliar terrain during the rare winter storm blanketing North Texas. But Lizzie, full of enthusiasm for the rare fun of sledding in a state where heavy snow is uncommon, encouraged her, saying yes. In that split-second exchange between best friends, Gracie relented, and they climbed on together, holding onto each other tightly as the Jeep pulled away.

Tragically, the sled struck a curb, lost control, and slammed into a tree. The violent impact ejected both girls, inflicting catastrophic injuries. Lizzie died shortly after arriving at the hospital that Sunday afternoon. Gracie was rushed into critical condition and placed on life support, fighting for two days before her family made the agonizing decision to honor her wishes. She passed away on January 27, 2026 (Tuesday night into Wednesday, per reports).

In the wake of this double loss, Gracie’s decision to become an organ donor—made proudly just months earlier when she got her driver’s license—has emerged as a beacon of light amid profound sorrow. Her mother, Tracy Brito, shared in statements to local media that Gracie was thrilled to register as a donor upon receiving her license two months prior. “She was thrilled to get her driver’s license and become an organ donor. She wanted to help anyone in need. That was Grace!” the family said in a heartfelt tribute. Even at such a young age, Gracie demonstrated remarkable selflessness, a trait her loved ones described as core to her being: kind, generous, warm, compassionate, and always eager to make others smile.

The family remained at the hospital to complete the organ donation process, turning their unimaginable pain into a legacy of giving. Gracie’s final act will allow multiple lives to be saved or improved through organ transplants—a profound gift that family members and the broader community have celebrated as fitting for a girl who lived to uplift those around her. As one statement noted, this choice adds “weight to the abrupt end of her story,” transforming tragedy into a continuation of her generous spirit.

Gracie was a dedicated All-Star cheerleader with Express Cheer, approaching the sport with discipline, joy, and teamwork. She was bubbly, loving, and deeply connected to her friends and family, including two younger sisters. Lizzie, equally vibrant, was remembered as a kind-spirited soccer standout at Wakeland High School, where both were sophomores. Photos and tributes show the girls inseparable—hugging, laughing, always together. Elizabeth’s mother poignantly noted they were “holding on to each other” during the ride, a detail that has resonated deeply as a symbol of their unbreakable bond, even in their final moments.

The Frisco community has rallied with prayer vigils (including one at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church), fundraisers, and memorials. Wakeland High School planned to honor the girls during classes upon resuming. Elizabeth’s family has established the Elizabeth Angle Foundation to perpetuate causes reflecting the values both girls embodied—kindness, athletics, and community support.

This incident has reignited discussions on teen driving safety, the dangers of towing sleds or tubes behind vehicles (especially on public roads with obstacles like curbs and trees), and the need for caution during infrequent severe weather in Texas. While the driver faces scrutiny in an ongoing investigation, the focus remains on grieving and remembering two bright lives lost too soon.

Gracie’s organ donation stands as a powerful coda to her story—one of selflessness triumphing over senseless loss. In the words of those who loved her, she continues to help others, ensuring her light endures. For Lizzie and Gracie—best friends forever—their shared “yes” to adventure ended abruptly, but their legacies of love, friendship, and generosity endure.