At a Glance
- Elizabeth Angle and her best friend, Grace Brito, died in a sledding crash that struck a curb and a tree.
- The accident involved a Jeep Wrangler pulling a sled with two 16-year-old riders.
- Both girls were pulled from the scene with life-threatening injuries; one died on January 25 and the other on January 27.
- Why it matters: The tragedy highlights the dangers of off-road sledding and the importance of safe sledding practices.
The fatal sledding incident that took the lives of two 16-year-old girls in Frisco, Texas, unfolded over two days. Elizabeth Angle was declared dead at the scene on January 25, and her best friend, Grace “Gracie” Brito, succumbed to injuries on January 27.
Accident Details
The Frisco Police Department received a call around 2:26 p.m. on January 25 about a sledding accident involving juveniles. The incident took place when a sled, pulled by a 16-year-old male in a Jeep Wrangler, struck a curb and slammed into a tree.
- Vehicles involved: Jeep Wrangler (driver 16-year-old)
- Riders: Two 16-year-old females
- Outcome: Both sustained life-threatening injuries; one died at the scene.
| Date | Event | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| January 25 | Call to police; sled crash | Elizabeth Angle declared dead at scene |
| January 27 | Grace Brito passes away | Grace Brito dies in hospital |
The police released a statement confirming the fatal injuries and the involvement of a Jeep Wrangler pulling the sled.
Family Reactions
Grace Brito’s mother, Tracy Brito, shared her grief in a statement to CBS affiliate KTVT. She described her family as a four-member unit-her, her husband, Grace, and their daughter Emma, a freshman at Louisiana State University.
> “We are a family of four-myself, my husband, Grace and Emma,” Tracy said.
She reflected on Grace’s character:
- Kind and generous soul
- Full of love, affection, and warmth
- Gentle strength
Tracy also noted that Grace had recently earned her driver’s license and was an organ donor. She said the family planned to honor Grace’s wishes in this regard.
Grace was an All-Star cheer competitor at Express Cheer in Frisco. She valued teamwork, friendship, and encouragement, and was known for her creativity, strong-mindedness, and bubbly personality.
Tracy added that Grace and Elizabeth were inseparable, often visiting each other’s homes.
> “She was one of Grace’s best friends. They were always together at each other’s house,” she told KTVT.
The family expressed their sorrow:
> “We will miss her till the day we die,” Tracy said. “She is our guardian angel now. #GraceStrongForever.”
Community Tributes
Elizabeth Angle’s teammates and friends remembered her on social media. FC Dallas club coach Luis Ramos posted:
> “God called her home not in defeat, but in victory. Still guarding. Still strong. Now standing watch from higher ground,” he wrote.
The WHS soccer team also paid tribute, urging people to keep Elizabeth’s family, teammates, and community in their thoughts and prayers.
The tragedy has drawn attention to the risks of sledding off-road, especially when a vehicle is used to pull a sled. The Frisco Police Department has not released further details.
Key Takeaways
- Two 16-year-old girls died in a sledding crash involving a Jeep Wrangler.
- Elizabeth Angle died on January 25; Grace Brito died on January 27.
- The incident underscores the importance of sledding safety and responsible supervision.
- The families and community have expressed deep grief and honored the girls’ memories.
The community remains in mourning, and authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident.
