‘They were holding on to each other’: Frisco community mourns 2 teens killed in sledding accident

The Brief

Two 16-year-old girls died after a sled being towed by a Jeep struck a curb and collided with a tree in a Frisco neighborhood Sunday.
The parents of victim Elizabeth Angle remembered her as a “kind-spirited” teenager and urged other families to be aware of how quickly winter activities can turn dangerous.
The tragedy follows a surge in winter injuries across North Texas, with Cook Children’s Medical Center reporting 52 sledding-related hospitalizations since the weekend.

FRISCO, Texas – Two 16-year-old girls have died after the sled they were riding, which was being towed by a Jeep, struck a tree on Sunday afternoon.

Angle died shortly after the accident on Sunday. The Brito family confirmed Wednesday that Gracie has also passed away, and they are currently at the hospital honoring her final wish to be an organ donor.

Second teen dies in Frisco sledding accident

Two teenagers died after sledding behind a Jeep during the winter storm. Since last weekend, more than 50 children were treated for sledding injuries, according to Cook Children’s. FOX 4’s Paige Ellenberger has the details.

Teen girls killed in Frisco sledding accident

What we know:

According to Frisco police, a 16-year-old boy was driving a Jeep pulling the two girls on a sled near Majestic Gardens Drive and Killian Court. Witnesses told investigators the sled hit a curb, causing it to collide with a tree.

When officers arrived, they found both girls in critical condition. Police performed life-saving measures before the teens were transported to a local hospital, where both later died.

‘These sweet besties are together forever’

What they’re saying:

“These sweet besties are together forever,” Elizabeth’s mother, Megan Angle, posted on Facebook. “I find some comfort knowing they are in heaven together… They were holding on to each other on the sled. Our hearts go out to the Brito family. We are forever connected.”

Remembering Elizabeth Angle and Gracie Brito

Parents of Frisco teen killed in sledding accident speak for first time

The parents of a teenager killed in a Frisco sledding accident spoke to FOX 4’s Peyton Yager, remembering their daughter as a kind soul who spread kindness

Dig deeper:

In a statement to FOX 4, the Brito family described Gracie as a generous soul who consistently put others before herself.

“She was a kind and generous soul, full of warmth, love, and compassion,” the family said. “Even at such a young age, she showed a selflessness beyond her years … she was thrilled to get her driver’s license and become an organ donor. She wanted to help anyone in need. That was Grace!”

Gracie was a dedicated All-Star athlete at Express Cheer, where her family says she approached the sport with “discipline, dedication, and joy.”

“The bond she shared with her teammates, coaches, and her cheer family was one of trust, love, and support,” the statement continued. “The days since Sunday have been unimaginably difficult. 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.”

Elizabeth was a sophomore at Wakeland High School, where she played soccer. Her parents described her as a kind-spirited teenager who loved her friends and her community.

“If there is anything learned from this situation, it’s go out and have fun. Be safe, though,” said Brian Angle, Elizabeth’s father.

Her mother, Megan Angle, warned other parents about how quickly a fun afternoon can turn into a tragedy. “I know kids think they are invincible. It was literally an instant,” she said. “We are just regular people… you hear these stories and think, ‘Oh, that will never happen to me,’ and it did.”

Wakeland High School officials announced they will honor Angle during second period once classes resume. The school will also provide grief counselors for students and staff.

Frisco police urged residents to remain cautious during the ongoing winter weather. “Snow and ice can create extremely slippery surfaces and lead to serious or even deadly accidents,” the department said in a statement. “Please stay alert, stay indoors when possible, and avoid any unnecessary outdoor activity.”

The tragic sledding accident in Frisco, Texas, on January 25, 2026, which claimed the lives of 16-year-old best friends Elizabeth “Lizzie” Angle and Grace “Gracie” Brito, carries an especially poignant detail from the hours leading up to the crash: the last voices their families heard were those of the girls on a short phone call that afternoon. Relatives described the conversation as filled with cheerful laughter, with no hint of fear, urgency, or anything amiss—yet it ended just 90 minutes before the fatal incident at approximately 2:26 p.m.

This timeline has added a layer of heartbreak and intrigue to the ongoing investigation, as authorities piece together the final moments of normalcy before everything changed in an instant.

The Final Phone Call: A Snapshot of Joy

Family members, including Elizabeth’s parents Megan and Brian Angle, and Gracie’s mother Tracy Brito, have shared in interviews and statements that they spoke with the girls earlier that Sunday afternoon. The call—likely a quick check-in amid the excitement of the rare snowy weather in North Texas—was lighthearted and typical of teenage friends enjoying a winter day off.

Cheerful laughter filled the conversation, with the girls sounding excited and carefree.
There was no mention of any concerns about the sledding activity, the driver, the speed, or the conditions.
The tone was one of pure fun, reflecting their close bond and the thrill of playing in the snow.

This ordinary exchange stands in stark contrast to the tragedy that followed. The call wrapped up roughly 90 minutes before the Frisco Police Department received the emergency call at 2:26 p.m. In that short window, the girls joined a 16-year-old boy driving a Jeep Wrangler, attached a sled, and set off through the residential neighborhood near Majestic Gardens Drive and Killian Court.

Investigators have noted this proximity in time as significant. The absence of any red flags in the girls’ last known communication worries authorities because it underscores how quickly and unexpectedly the activity escalated into disaster. No prior warnings or hesitations were voiced, highlighting the deceptive nature of such improvised fun—especially when teens perceive it as safe and exhilarating.

Timeline of the Afternoon: From Laughter to Silence

Early to mid-afternoon (approx. 12:30–1:00 p.m.): The girls are on the phone with family, laughing and chatting cheerfully.
~1:00–2:00 p.m.: The call ends; the girls likely head out or continue their plans in the snow.
~2:26 p.m.: Police respond to the accident scene. Witnesses report the sled striking a low curb, losing control, and colliding with a tree. The girls are ejected, suffering catastrophic injuries.
Immediate aftermath: As previously reported, the scene falls into eerie silence—no lingering cries or chaos—consistent with the abrupt, high-force nature of the crash.

The 90-minute gap between the joyful call and the crash amplifies the sense of fragility. Families are left replaying those final happy voices, wondering what small change might have altered the outcome.

Why This Detail Concerns Investigators

While the investigation—led by Frisco police with assistance from the Denton County District Attorney’s Office—has ruled out alcohol and continues to examine speed, road conditions, vehicle control, and the hazards of vehicle-towed sledding, the phone call provides context on the girls’ state of mind:

It rules out obvious distress or reluctance.
It suggests the decision to sled was spontaneous and viewed as harmless fun.
The short interval raises questions about how rapidly conditions deteriorated—from laughter to life-threatening impact.

This element humanizes the tragedy further, reminding investigators and the public that behind every accident statistic are real moments of innocence lost.

Honoring Lizzie and Gracie: Legacies of Kindness

Elizabeth “Lizzie” Angle was remembered by her parents as a kind-spirited soccer player at Wakeland High School, full of light and bravery. In tributes, her mother Megan described the girls as “holding on to each other” during the ride, a heartbreaking symbol of their inseparable friendship. “These sweet besties are together forever,” she wrote.

Gracie Brito was described by her family as “a kind and generous soul, full of love, affection, and warmth.” A cheerleader with Express Cheer, she had recently gotten her driver’s license and proudly registered as an organ donor—a wish her family honored after her passing on January 27, allowing her generosity to live on through others.

The Frisco community, including Wakeland High School and local groups, has held vigils, moments of silence, and fundraisers. Tributes emphasize the girls’ compassion, their infectious joy, and the void left by their sudden absence.

A Call for Caution in Winter Fun

This accident, amid a rare Texas snow event that led to dozens of sledding injuries, underscores persistent dangers:

Vehicle-towed sledding amplifies risks with speed and lack of control.
Hidden curbs and trees in neighborhoods turn playful rides deadly.
Teens’ enthusiasm can mask hazards, as seen in the carefree final call.

Safety experts urge using designated hills, avoiding vehicle towing, wearing helmets, and adult supervision—lessons etched painfully in Frisco.

The last voices of Lizzie and Gracie—full of laughter—echo as a tender, tragic reminder: life can shift from joy to sorrow in under 90 minutes. Their families cling to those happy sounds amid grief, while the community reflects on cherishing every moment.