FRISCO, Texas (KWTX) — A second teenager has died following a tragic sledding accident in Texas that also claimed the life of her best friend.
The Frisco Police Department confirmed Wednesday that the second teenager died of her injuries at the hospital. KTVT identified her as 16-year-old Grace Brito.
KTVT reported that Grace’s best friend, 16-year-old Elizabeth “Lizzie” Angle, died first in the crash.
Tracy Brito, Grace’s mother, told KTVT that Grace and Lizzie were inseparable. The tragic accident happened Sunday afternoon.
“Our family is heartbroken by the loss of our beautiful daughter, Gracie. She was a kind and generous soul, full of warmth, love, and compassion,” the family wrote in a statement, “Cheer was her greatest passion. As an All Star Athlete at Express Cheer, she approached the sport with discipline, dedication, and joy.”
“Gracie’s positivity always radiated to her teammates, she grew up to become a leader within our Express family, and we are so lucky that we got to have time with her,” Express Dance & Cheer shared in a statement.
“We will continue to honor Gracie every way we can and look for her in every thing we do. Her kindness and optimism will never be forgotten, and we will hold her memory close to our hearts. 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.”
Police said a 16-year-old boy was driving a Jeep Wrangler that was pulling the two 16-year-old girls on a sled through a neighborhood. Witnesses told investigators the sled hit a curb and collided with a tree.
Responding officers found both girls with life-threatening injuries and began lifesaving measures. They were taken to the hospital, but both died.
Mark Fischer, who lives in the neighborhood, told KTVT he saw the teenagers sledding before the incident.
“The Jeep got accelerated really quickly, and the girls started screaming. I don’t know if it was from having fun or what. Then, I lost sight of them as they kind of came around the corner, and that was the last I heard,” Fischer said. “From what I saw, the acceleration, especially when it’s ice like this… to be going that fast, a sled can’t stop.”
In a Facebook post, Frisco police said no alcohol was involved in the crash.
“We also want to clarify rumors circulating online, throughout this entire investigation, there has been no indication of alcohol involvement by any of the involved parties,” police wrote. “Please be mindful of sharing unverified information, as it can add unnecessary pain to those grieving.”
Police have not said whether the 16-year-old driver will face criminal charges. The investigation is ongoing in collaboration with the Denton County District Attorney’s Office.
“This tragedy serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by winter weather conditions,” police said. “For your safety, please keep in mind that snow and ice can create extremely slippery surfaces and lead to serious or even deadly accidents. Stay alert, stay indoors when possible, and avoid any unnecessary outdoor activity until conditions improve.”
