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.
The victims have been identified by their families as Elizabeth Angle and Gracie Brito. Both were sophomores at Wakeland High School. Angle died Sunday shortly after the accident; Brito’s mother, Tracy Brito, confirmed Wednesday that her daughter has also passed away.
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
Dig deeper:
The Brito family remains at the hospital to complete the organ donation process. Tracy Brito told FOX 4 that Gracie had been excited to sign up as a donor when she received her driver’s license only two months ago.
“We are still here going through the organ donation process to honor Gracie’s wishes,” Tracy Brito said. “She was a selfless person who always wanted to make others smile and happy. God took a good one away far too soon.”
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.”
What you can do:
Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact the Frisco Police Department at 972-292-6010.
Surge of weather-related injuries at 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 have been treated for sledding accidents since the weekend.
Doctors said the patients range in age from 2 to 17. Reported injuries include broken bones, significant head trauma, and internal organ damage. Pediatricians are urging parents to discuss safety risks with their children before they head out into the ice and snow.
The Source: Information in this story came from Frisco PD and Elizabeth Angle’s family.
