North Texas – A weekend of rare, icy weather in North Texas turned tragic for the Frisco community, where two inseparable best friends lost their lives in a sledding accident that has shaken families, schools, and neighbors.
Elizabeth “Lizzie” Angle, 16, a standout soccer player at Wakeland High School, died Sunday, January 25, after a sled she was riding struck a curb and slammed into a tree in a Frisco residential area. Lizzie and her best friend, Gracie Brito, were being pulled on the sled by a Jeep Wrangler driven by another teenager, according to witness accounts. Days later, the heartbreak deepened when Gracie, also 16, died on Tuesday, January 27, after being placed on life support.
The incident occurred amid extreme winter conditions—an uncommon hazard in North Texas, where residents are less accustomed to navigating ice-covered streets. Public safety experts have repeatedly warned that towing sleds behind vehicles dramatically increases the risk of severe injury, especially on frozen pavement where vehicles can quickly lose control.
In a statement shared publicly, Lizzie’s mother, Megan Taylor Angle, described her daughter as “a bright light, a fun spirit, a brave soul,” adding, “Life is fleeting and precious.” Community leaders echoed those sentiments, with local residents calling the girls “kind, joyful, and natural leaders.”
A large memorial now stands near the crash site, filled with flowers, jerseys, and handwritten notes honoring the girls’ bond. Wakeland High School counselors have been made available to students, reflecting a broader community effort to support grieving teens and families.
As national attention grows, officials and family friends have urged caution against fraudulent fundraising pages. Verified GoFundMe campaigns have been established to support both families, ensuring donations reach their intended recipients.
Beyond the grief, the tragedy has sparked renewed conversations about winter safety in a region unaccustomed to severe ice—an important reminder that even familiar neighborhoods can become dangerous under extreme conditions.
