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.

Teen cheerleader Grace Brito, left, and soccer star best friend Elizabeth Angle, right, were killed in a horror sledding accident.
Teen cheerleader Grace Brito, left, and soccer star best friend Elizabeth Angle, right, were killed 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.
Grace was in a critical condition in ICU prior her death following the crash.

Elizabeth Angle died shortly after the accident.
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.”

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

Elizabeth Angle died shortly after the accident.
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.”

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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”.
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 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.
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.