Two Teens Were ‘Holding on to Each Other’ During Fatal Sledding Accident: ‘Together Forever’

Elizabeth Angle and Grace ‘Gracie’ Brito were best friends and compassionate people, their families said

The two teenagers who died in a sledding accident are being remembered as sweet girls and best friends.

On Sunday, Jan. 25, Elizabeth Angle and her best friend Grace “Gracie” Brito, two 16-year-olds from Frisco, Texas, were riding on a sled that was being pulled by a Jeep when the sled hit a curb and slammed into a tree. Both girls sustained life-threatening injuries and were transported to local hospitals, where both later died.

Elizabeth’s mother, Megan Angle, honored both her daughter and Gracie in a Facebook post on Wednesday, Jan. 28. Alongside a selection of photos of the two girls together, Megan reflected on their friendship and offered her condolences to the Brito family.

“These sweet besties are together forever. I find some comfort knowing they are in heaven together. Such beautiful girls,” Megan wrote, adding, “They were holding on to each other on the sled.”

In an earlier Facebook post from Monday, Jan. 26, Megan paid tribute to her daughter. Elizabeth had just received her drivers license and a car, and “had her whole life ahead of her,” Megan wrote.

“She was a bright light, a fun spirit, a brave soul. We loved her so much,” Megan said. “Life is fleeting and precious … We will never be the same and never forget how much love she brought to our family.”

Elizabeth Angle.GoFundMe

In her Wednesday post, Megan remembered Gracie as a “sweet girl and a good friend” to Elizabeth, as well as a cheerleader, a Wicked lover and “a teenager that would actually converse with me.”

In a GoFundMe page set up in Elizabeth’s name, the Angle family shared that they are establishing The Elizabeth Angle Foundation to help provide scholarships to children in need so that they might pursue their passions further. Elizabeth’s parents and friends will manage the foundation, according to the fundraiser.

“In the midst of unimaginable grief, her family is committed to honoring her in a way that reflects who she was and what she cared about,” read the description for the fundraiser, which has raised nearly $49,000 as of Thursday, Jan. 29.

A separate GoFundMe created for Gracie aims to help the Brito family mitigate the unexpected financial costs of the tragedy. The page has thus far raised more than $9,000 in less than 24 hours.

“Gracie was a radiant, selfless light in the lives of everyone who knew her, and her sudden loss has left her family and friends heartbroken beyond words,” the fundraiser description read.

Gracie Brito.GoFundMe

The Brito family told local outlet Fox 4 that Gracie was a giving person who loved helping others. The outlet reported the Brito family is currently honoring Gracie’s last wish, which was to be an organ donor.

“She was a kind and generous soul, full of warmth, love, and compassion,” the family said in a statement to Fox 4. “Even at such a young age, she showed a selflessness beyond her years.”

The family added, “We are taking things moment by moment and leaning on our faith, on one another, and on the overwhelming love and support from our family, friends, and community.”