A second teenage girl has died following a tragic sledding accident in Texas during a rare winter storm, deepening the heartbreak surrounding an incident that has shaken the Frisco community.
According to local police, 16-year-old Grace Brito succumbed to her injuries at a hospital on Tuesday, days after the crash that had already claimed the life of her best friend, Elizabeth Angle. Both girls were sophomores at Wakeland High School.
The accident occurred around 3 pm on Sunday when the two teens were riding together on a sled being pulled by a Jeep Wrangler driven by another 16-year-old, police said. Witnesses reported that the vehicle made a sharp turn, causing the sled to strike a curb before slamming into a tree.
Grace had been on life support following the crash. Her mother, Tracy Brito, confirmed that the family made the difficult decision to remove her from life support, honoring her wish to be an organ donor.
“She was a selfless person who always wanted to make others smile,” Brito told CBS, adding, “We are still here going through the organ donation process to honor Gracie’s wishes.”
Elizabeth Angle was pronounced dead shortly after being rushed to the hospital. Her mother, Megan Angle, shared an emotional message on social media following Grace’s death, writing that the girls were “besties” and that she found comfort in believing “they are in heaven together,” CBS News reported.
Police issued a statement to address online speculation, clarifying that there was no indication of alcohol involvement in the incident.
“Throughout this entire investigation, there has been no indication of alcohol involvement by any of the involved parties,” Frisco police said, as quoted by CBS.
Both teens were active students; Grace was a cheerleader, while Elizabeth played soccer for her school and a local club team. School officials and athletic organisations paid tribute to the girls, describing them as bright, passionate, and deeply loved by their peers.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have warned residents that icy roads and snow-covered streets can quickly turn recreational activities deadly.
A winter storm had blanketed much of North Texas with ice and snow over the weekend, creating hazardous conditions across the region.
