A tight-knit community in Frisco, Texas, is grappling with heartbreak and disbelief after a tragic sledding accident claimed the lives of two teenage girls over the past week, leaving family, friends.
And neighbors mourning the loss of young lives full of promise, energy, and joy. The incident, which occurred on Sunday,
January 25, has reverberated throughout the city, highlighting both the fragility of life and the deep bonds of friendship that Elizabeth Angle and Grace “Gracie” Brito shared.
The Frisco Police Department reported receiving a distress call at approximately 2:26 p.m. on January 25, alerting authorities to multiple juveniles injured during what had initially appeared to be a wintertime recreational activity.
First responders arrived at the scene to find a situation far more dire than anticipated. The teens, both 16, had hitched a sled to the back of a Jeep Wrangler, driven by another teenager.
In what would become a catastrophic series of events, the sled struck a curb and slammed violently into a tree. Emergency services immediately began providing aid, but the tragic reality quickly became apparent.
Elizabeth Angle, a sophomore at Wakeland High School, was pronounced dead at the scene. Her best friend, Gracie Brito, remained on life support following the crash.
Despite medical efforts, Gracie passed away on Tuesday, January 27, leaving both families devastated and the community in mourning.
The Brito family released a heartfelt statement capturing their grief and celebrating Gracie’s life. Tracy Brito, Gracie’s mother, shared the deep sorrow felt by their family of four, which includes her husband and their other daughter, Emma, a freshman at Louisiana State University.
“Our family is heartbroken and devastated by the loss of our beautiful daughter, Gracie. She was a kind and generous soul, full of warmth, love, and compassion,” Tracy wrote.
Tracy also described Gracie as a strong-willed and bubbly teenager whose creativity and dedication were evident in everything she pursued.
A proud new driver, Gracie had recently registered as an organ donor, reflecting her innate desire to help others even beyond her own life. Cheerleading had been her greatest passion.
She competed as an All-Star cheerleader at Express Dance & Cheer in Frisco, an organization that remembered her as a natural leader and someone who uplifted those around her.
“We will continue to honor Gracie every way we can and look for her in everything we do. Her kindness and optimism will never be forgotten, and we will hold her memory close to our hearts,” the organization stated.
“Our Express family will always have a guardian angel looking over us, and we cling to the fact that Gracie is eternally safe and surrounded by peace.”
Elizabeth Angle, meanwhile, was a rising star in both academics and athletics. A dedicated sophomore at Wakeland High School, Elizabeth had recently earned her driver’s license and was preparing to enjoy a snowy weekend with friends.
On the soccer field, she had established herself as a promising talent, playing for the FC Dallas 2009G club team and impressing coaches and teammates alike with her skill, determination, and teamwork.
Elizabeth and Gracie were inseparable, often described by friends and family as lifelong companions who shared every aspect of their teenage years.
“She was one of Grace’s best friends,” Tracy Brito said. “They were always together at each other’s houses.” Megan Angle, Elizabeth’s mother, echoed this sentiment, reflecting on the close bond the girls shared and the unbreakable friendship that defined their lives.
Megan took to social media to honor both Elizabeth and Gracie, posting a series of photos capturing their laughter, joy, and the many shared moments that defined their friendship.
“These sweet besties are together forever. I find some comfort knowing they are in heaven together. Such beautiful girls,” Megan wrote. “They were holding on to each other on the sled.”
Witnesses to the tragic accident described the terrifying moments leading up to the collision. A neighbor, Mark Fischer, recounted that the Jeep towing the sled accelerated at a dangerously high speed.
“The Jeep accelerated really fast,” he told KTVT. “The girls were screaming before disappearing around a corner. On ice like this, to be going that fast, a sled can’t stop.” The speed, combined with the icy conditions, made controlling the sled nearly impossible.
Authorities confirmed that alcohol was not involved in the incident and emphasized that the investigation was ongoing. The Frisco Police Department also urged the public to refrain from spreading unverified information, noting that doing so can inflict further pain on grieving families.
In response to the tragedy, the Angle family launched The Elizabeth Angle Foundation, a charitable initiative aimed at providing scholarships to children in need and helping them pursue their passions.
The foundation, managed by Elizabeth’s parents and close friends, reflects the girl’s generosity, ambition, and drive to make a positive impact on the world.
A GoFundMe page dedicated to the foundation has already raised nearly $65,000 as of January 30, demonstrating the widespread support and love for Elizabeth from the community.
A separate GoFundMe page was created to assist the Brito family with the unexpected financial burdens resulting from Gracie’s passing.
Within just 24 hours, the page raised over $12,000, reflecting the community’s desire to support the grieving family and honor Gracie’s memory.
The page’s description emphasized her selfless nature, describing Gracie as “a radiant, selfless light in the lives of everyone who knew her,” and acknowledging the profound grief left in her absence.
The loss of Elizabeth and Gracie has left the Frisco community in shock, with friends, classmates, and neighbors struggling to process the tragedy.
Social media has been flooded with heartfelt tributes, photographs, and memories of the girls, as those who knew them seek ways to cope with the sudden and senseless loss.
Local schools held vigils and memorial gatherings, providing students, teachers, and families a space to grieve together and celebrate the lives of two young girls whose potential and promise were cut tragically short.
Counselors and mental health professionals have stepped in to provide support to students and community members affected by the incident.
The suddenness of the accident, combined with the innocence and vitality of the victims, has made processing the tragedy particularly difficult for those closest to the girls.
Experts stress the importance of open communication, supportive networks, and professional guidance in helping communities navigate grief and trauma.
Friends and teammates have shared memories that highlight the bright personalities of both Elizabeth and Gracie. From their infectious laughter to their unwavering support for one another, these memories paint a picture of young lives full of energy, creativity, and love.
Elizabeth’s coach recalled her dedication on the soccer field, noting how she inspired younger players through her focus and teamwork.
Gracie’s cheer coach emphasized her leadership qualities, describing how she encouraged and uplifted her peers both in practice and at competitions. These recollections underscore the impact both girls had on those around them, far beyond their immediate families.
The tragic sledding incident also raises awareness about winter safety and the potential dangers of recreational activities involving vehicles.
While sledding is often considered a harmless and joyful winter pastime, experts caution against towing sleds behind vehicles, noting that even small increases in speed can dramatically increase the risk of injury.
Officials urge parents and teenagers to prioritize safety, avoid makeshift sled rides on public roads or icy surfaces, and ensure that any recreational activities are conducted in controlled environments designed for winter sports.
Community members have also highlighted the importance of ongoing conversations about youth safety, supervision, and emergency preparedness. While accidents can never be fully predicted, fostering awareness, vigilance, and education can help mitigate risks and prevent future tragedies.
Frisco Police Department representatives noted that the investigation into the incident is thorough, and additional details will be released once verified and confirmed. They continue to appeal for the public to respect the grieving families’ privacy during this difficult time.
Amidst the sorrow, the families and community have found ways to celebrate the girls’ lives and ensure that their legacies endure.
The Elizabeth Angle Foundation is a testament to a family’s determination to turn heartbreak into hope, creating opportunities for other children to pursue their dreams.
Similarly, the Brito family’s efforts to honor Gracie through memorial initiatives and community support reflect the profound impact she had on those around her.
By focusing on the positive aspects of their lives, friends and family hope to channel grief into meaningful action, keeping the memories of Elizabeth and Gracie alive in the hearts of all who knew them.
Local residents have shared stories of how the girls touched their lives in small yet significant ways. From helping classmates with homework, cheering on friends during school events, and offering words of encouragement to anyone in need, both Elizabeth and Gracie exemplified kindness, generosity, and empathy.
These stories have become part of the community’s collective remembrance, emphasizing how the presence of two remarkable young lives continues to influence and inspire even after their passing.
As memorials and tributes continue, the overarching sentiment in Frisco is one of unity, reflection, and care. Neighbors are checking in on one another, offering meals, support, and companionship, and schools are incorporating remembrance activities into classroom discussions.
The tragedy has reminded residents of the importance of community, shared responsibility, and the fragile beauty of life.
The Frisco community, while shaken, has shown resilience and compassion in the wake of this unimaginable loss. Local organizations, faith groups, and civic leaders have offered support, counseling services, and guidance to ensure that students, families, and residents have the resources they need to cope with grief.
Social media campaigns encouraging positivity, remembrance, and acts of kindness have emerged, honoring the girls’ memories by promoting values they embodied in life: generosity, empathy, and joy.
Elizabeth Angle and Gracie Brito’s story is one of love, friendship, and youthful exuberance, tragically cut short. But it is also a story of resilience, community solidarity, and the profound ways in which lives, no matter how brief, can leave lasting impressions.
Through memorial initiatives, scholarships, and collective remembrance, the girls’ legacies will continue to inspire others to embrace life fully, cherish friendships, and prioritize the well-being of those around them.
In the days, weeks, and months to come, the Frisco community will continue to grieve, but also to celebrate the remarkable young women who left an indelible mark on their families, friends, and city.
Elizabeth and Gracie may no longer walk among their loved ones, but their spirits live on — in the laughter of those who remember them, in the generosity inspired by their legacies, and in the community united by shared sorrow and hope.
As authorities complete their investigation, residents are reminded to prioritize safety during winter activities and to support one another in times of crisis.
While nothing can undo the loss suffered by the Angle and Brito families, the response of the Frisco community — through grief, remembrance, and proactive support — ensures that the memory of Elizabeth and Gracie continues to shape and enrich the lives of those left behind.
In remembering the girls, friends, family, and community members are reminded of the fragile beauty of life, the importance of cherishing loved ones, and the profound impact even brief lives can have on the people around them.
Elizabeth and Gracie’s legacies, though tragically shortened, will endure as symbols of joy, friendship, and the capacity for love to transcend even the deepest sorrow.
