Introduction
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Two 16-year-old girls were killed Sunday when a sled pulled by a Jeep hit a curb and collided with a tree in the Frisco neighborhood.
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The parents of victim Elizabeth Angle have remembered her as a “kind” teenager and are urging other families to realize winter activities can quickly become dangerous.
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The tragedy follows a spike in winter injuries in North Texas, with Cook Children’s Medical Center reporting 52 sledding-related hospitalizations since the weekend.
Frisco, Texas – Two 16-year-old girls died after the Jeep-pulled sled they were riding in hit a tree Sunday afternoon.
Angel died shortly after the accident on Sunday. Brito’s family confirmed Wednesday that Gracie had also passed away and they were currently at the hospital fulfilling her final wish to be an organ donor.
Teenage girl killed in Frisco sledding accident
what we know
According to Frisco police, a 16-year-old boy was driving a Jeep pulling 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 police arrived, they found both girls in critical condition. Police performed life-saving measures and transported the teens to a local hospital, where they both later died.
“These sweet best friends will always be together”
what are they talking about
“These sweet best friends are together forever,” Elizabeth’s mother, Megan Angle, posted on Facebook. “I take some comfort in knowing they are together in heaven… They held each other up on the sled. Our hearts go out to the Britto family. We are forever connected.”
In Memory of Elizabeth Angle and Gracie Brito
Dig deeper
In a statement to Fox 4, the Brito family described Gracie as a generous person who always put others before herself.
“She was a kind, generous person full of warmth, love and compassion,” the family said. “Even at such a young age, she showed selflessness beyond her years…She was excited to get her driver’s license and become an organ donor. She wanted to help anyone in need. That’s Grace!”
Gracie was an all-star athlete at Express Cheer and her family said she played the sport with “discipline, dedication and joy.”
“Her bond with her teammates, coaches and family is one of trust, love and support,” the statement continued. “The days since Sunday have been unimaginable. We are dealing with things moment by moment, leaning on our faith, leaning on each other, and relying on the overwhelming love and support of family, friends and the community.”
Elizabeth is a sophomore at Wakeland High School, where she plays soccer. Her parents described her as a kind-hearted teen who loved her friends and community.
“If there’s anything we learned from this incident, it’s to go out and have fun. But stay safe,” said Brian Angle, Elizabeth’s father.
Her mother, Megan Angle, warned other parents that a fun afternoon could quickly turn into tragedy. “I know kids think they’re invincible. It’s literally a moment,” she said. “We’re just normal people… You hear these stories and think, ‘Oh, this will never happen to me,’ but it does.”
Wakeland High School officials announced they would honor Angle during the second period once classes resume. The school will also provide grief counselors for students and staff.
Frisco Police are urging residents to remain cautious amid ongoing winter weather. “Ice and snow can create extremely slick surfaces and lead to serious or even fatal accidents,” the department said in a statement. “Please remain vigilant, stay indoors when possible and avoid any unnecessary outdoor activities.”
what can you do
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Frisco Police Department at 972-292-6010.
Weather-related injuries surge in North Texas hospitals
local perspective
The tragedy comes as North Texas hospitals report a surge in weather-related injuries. As of Wednesday morning, Cook Children’s Medical Center reported that 52 children had been treated for sledding accidents since the weekend.
Doctors said the patients ranged in age from 2 to 17 years old. Injuries reportedly included broken bones, severe head trauma and damage to internal organs. Pediatricians urge parents to discuss safety risks with their children before they go out into the ice and snow.
source
Information in this story comes from the Frisco Police Department and the family of Elizabeth Angle.
