Introduction
A 17-year-old boy and a 16-year-old girl died in separate sledding crashes on Saturday, Jan. 24, and Sunday, Jan. 25, respectively. The Arkansas incident involved an inner tube pulled by a motor vehicle, while the Texas crash involved a sled pulled by a Jeep Wrangler.
At a Glance
- A 17-year-old boy died after an inner tube struck a tree in Benton, Arkansas.
- A 16-year-old girl died and her friend was critically injured in a sledding accident in Frisco, Texas.
- Both incidents occurred over the same weekend, raising concerns about sled safety.
- Why it matters: The tragedies highlight the risks of unsupervised sledding and the need for safety precautions.
Arkansas Accident
On Saturday, Jan. 24, emergency responders were dispatched to the 8500 block of Shimrod Road in Benton. A 17-year-old boy was riding an inner tube that was being pulled by a motor vehicle when the tube collided with a tree. The teen was found critically injured. Despite immediate medical assistance, he succumbed to his injuries.
The Saline County Coroner’s Office confirmed that an investigation into the death is ongoing. The Saline County Sheriff’s Office extended its deepest condolences to the family and requested that the community keep the family in their thoughts and prayers while respecting their privacy.
The Sheriff’s Office did not immediately respond to News Of Los Angeles‘s request for further comment.
Texas Accident
Just before 2:30 p.m. local time on Sunday, Jan. 25, first responders arrived at a scene near Majestic Gardens Drive and Killian Court in Frisco. Two 16-year-old girls were on a sled pulled by a Jeep Wrangler when the sled hit a curb and struck a tree. One of the girls, later identified by loved ones as Elizabeth Angle, died at the hospital. Her friend, Grace, remains in critical condition.
Sergeant Thomas, a spokesperson for the Frisco Police Department, said the Denton County District Attorney’s Office will determine whether criminal charges will be pursued.
Community Response
The community has paid tribute to Elizabeth Angle, a soccer player and sophomore at Wakeland High School. Her parents described her as kind and outgoing, noting that she left behind two sisters, ages 12 and 18.
Luis Ramos, coach of FC Dallas club team, posted on Facebook that Angle was a center back who served as a “calm voice” on the team and “knew what it meant to stand her ground.” He wrote, “God called her home not in defeat, but in victory. Still guarding. Still strong. Now standing watch from higher ground.” He added, “Elizabeth-our defender. Our teammate. Forever part of us.”
Comparative Overview
| Date | Location | Victims | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan. 24 | Benton, Ark. | 17-year-old boy | Died |
| Jan. 25 | Frisco, Tex. | 16-year-old girl (Elizabeth Angle) | Died |
Legal and Safety Implications
Both incidents involve sleds pulled by motor vehicles, a practice that carries inherent dangers. Law enforcement agencies have indicated that investigations will determine if any negligence contributed to the accidents. The incidents underscore the importance of supervising youth sledding activities and ensuring that sleds and towing vehicles are operated safely.
Key Takeaways
- Two teenagers died in sledding accidents over the same weekend.
- The Arkansas crash involved an inner tube; the Texas crash involved a sled pulled by a Jeep.
- Investigations are ongoing in both cases, with potential for criminal charges.
- Communities are mourning the losses and honoring the victims’ memories.
- The tragedies highlight the need for stricter sledding safety measures.
