Frisco Mourns Two Teen Best Friends Killed in Sledding Crash: Community Shares Memories as Elizabeth Angle and Gracie Brito Are Remembered ‘Together Forever’
The community is shattered—flowers piling up at the crash site, candles flickering, soccer balls and cheer bows left as tributes. Friends sharing old photos, laughing memories from school days, soccer fields, cheer practice… moments that now feel too precious, too short.
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In the wake of a devastating sledding accident that claimed the lives of two 16-year-old best friends, the Frisco community has come together to grieve, remember, and honor Elizabeth “Lizzie” Angle and Grace “Gracie” Brito. The sophomores at Wakeland High School died after the sled they were riding, towed by a Jeep Wrangler, struck a curb and collided with a tree during a rare January snow event.
Now, as families and friends process the unimaginable loss, tributes continue to pour in. A growing memorial at the crash site on Majestic Gardens Drive near Killian Court has become a focal point for mourning, adorned with flowers, candles, handwritten notes, soccer memorabilia, and cheerleading items symbolizing the girls’ passions. Residents have described the scene as a heartbreaking reminder of young lives cut short.
Angle died shortly after the January 25, 2026, incident, while Brito remained on life support until passing on January 27. Both were transported to hospitals in critical condition following the collision. Frisco police confirmed the driver was another 16-year-old boy, and the investigation remains ongoing with no charges announced.
The girls’ bond was central to how they are remembered. Family statements and social media posts emphasized their inseparability. One relative shared that the teens were “holding on to each other” during the ride, a detail that has resonated deeply with the community. Friends and loved ones have echoed the sentiment: “These sweet besties together forever.”
Elizabeth Angle was remembered as a bright, fun-spirited soccer player. A sophomore at Wakeland High, she competed on junior varsity and with the FC Dallas 2009G club team. Her mother described her as a “bright light” and “brave soul” who loved her friends and community. Classmates and teachers noted she was well-liked, energetic, and always positive. She had recently celebrated turning 16 and had her whole life ahead, as one tribute put it.
Grace “Gracie” Brito was an All-Star cheerleader with Express Cheer & Dance, where coaches called her a “guardian angel.” Her family highlighted her kindness, generosity, and desire to make others smile. She had recently earned her driver’s license and registered as an organ donor—a decision her family honored after her passing. Statements from loved ones described her as a “kind and generous soul” full of warmth and affection.
The community response has been widespread. Wakeland High School provided grief counseling and planned to honor the girls during classes upon resuming. A moment of silence was observed before a girls’ basketball game between Frisco Heritage and Frisco Memorial. School officials sent letters to parents expressing sorrow and outlining support resources.
A prayer vigil was scheduled for Thursday evening at 6 p.m. at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church in Frisco, organized by the families to allow the community to gather in remembrance. Attendees were expected to share stories and offer comfort to one another.
Social media has been filled with shared memories. Photos from school events, soccer games, cheer competitions, and casual hangouts have circulated widely. Friends posted captions like “laughing together, always” and recalled everyday moments—walking to class, sleepovers, and supporting each other through life’s ups and downs. One post read: “They were friends. They laughed together, went to school together… and now they’re in heaven together.”
The tragedy has sparked broader reflections on safety during winter activities. While the rare snow brought excitement and prompted many to sled, experts have reiterated warnings about towing sleds behind vehicles, particularly on residential streets where control can be lost quickly on icy or uneven ground.
Amid the sorrow, some have pointed to Brito’s organ donation as a legacy of giving. Her family confirmed proceedings were underway, allowing her final act to help others—a selfless gesture consistent with how she lived.
Neighbors and strangers alike have visited the memorial, leaving items that reflect the girls’ personalities. Soccer balls for Angle, cheer bows for Brito, and messages of love and support. One visitor told local media it was a way to feel connected to the girls and show solidarity with the grieving families.
The Frisco Independent School District and local leaders have emphasized community support. Meal trains, donation efforts, and attendance at services have been organized. The loss has affected not just immediate circles but the wider area, with reports of students and parents discussing the incident and the importance of cherishing time with loved ones.
As funerals and memorials are planned, the focus remains on celebrating the girls’ short but impactful lives. Their friendship—forged through shared experiences and unbreakable loyalty—has become a central theme in every tribute. Phrases like “together forever” appear repeatedly, offering a measure of comfort amid profound grief.
The Angle and Brito families face the difficult path ahead. Relatives have spoken of the pain being too great for words, yet they have found solace in the outpouring of love from the community. One family member noted the girls’ spirits live on through the memories shared and the lives they touched.
In Frisco, where the snow has long since melted, the story of Elizabeth Angle and Gracie Brito endures as a poignant reminder of life’s unpredictability. Two teenagers who brought joy to those around them are now remembered through candles, photos, and heartfelt stories. The community continues to mourn, but also to celebrate the true girls they were—kind, vibrant, and forever linked.
