The Frisco, Texas, community has been hit with another tragedy before it has had time to grieve for the first. The second teen involved in the freak sledding accident has died. 16-year-old Grace “Gracie” Brito passed away Tuesday night after being on life support since Sunday, January 25. Her best friend and the other person on the sled, Elizabeth “Lizzie” Angle, died the day of the incident.
Unfortunate Sledding Accident
On the day of the incident, in a Frisco neighborhood, the two girls were hitching a ride on a sled that was attached to a teen boy’s Jeep Wrangler. The sled slammed into a curb and wrapped around a tree, leaving them both in critical condition.
Authorities arrived and began administering life-saving measures before they were taken to the hospital. Elizabeth was pronounced dead at the local hospital, and Grace was placed on life support. Her family prayed for her recovery, but they confirmed Tuesday that she had succumbed to her injuries.
The Frisco Police say there have been no charges filed against the teen boy driving the Jeep, but it is an ongoing investigation. At this time, the families of Elizabeth and Grace ask for privacy so they may grieve properly and focus on honoring the girls’ lives.
Families Remember Their Girls
Grace Brito’s family described the incomprehensible amount of grief and how intense it is to process their feelings. “We are a family of four – myself, my husband, Grace and Emma,” Grace’s mother, Tracy Brito, wrote. “Our family is heartbroken and devastated by the loss of our beautiful daughter, Gracie.”
She described her daughter as “a kind and generous soul, full of love, affection, and warmth,” and someone with “gentle strength,” who cares deeply for others. She mentioned that Grace had just passed her driver’s test and received her driver’s license, notably every young teen girl’s biggest milestone. Grace was proud to check the box to become an organ donor, and her family intends to honor her commitment.
When Elizabeth initially passed, her mother also shared that she had recently acquired her driver’s license as well. The two best friends were excited to spend time together, driving themselves to the other’s house and enjoying the snowy weekend. Her mother said she was “a bright light, a fun spirit, a brave soul,” and a devoted soccer player.
Elizabeth’s soccer club coach also chimed in on describing who she was as a person and how deeply she will be missed. “She knew what it meant to stand her ground. To take the hit. To protect what mattered,” but she had a “calm voice,” he said.
All-Star Cheerleader
While Elizabeth played soccer for the junior varsity team and the Dallas 2009G club team, Grace was an All-Star cheer competitor at Express Cheer in Frisco. She trained consistently, year-round, and became close to her teammates and coaches. “She valued teamwork, friendship, and encouragement, and she took pride in lifting others up,” her mother said. “She was creative, strong‑minded, and a VERY bubbly girl.”
Frisco Community Comes Together
Grace’s family said the days following the accident have been “unimaginably difficult.” They are leaning on one another and relying on their faith to keep them moving forward. The support from friends, relatives, and the Frisco community has been tremendous. The compassion shown to them leaves them eternally grateful.
Both families have asked the public and media for privacy while they grieve the loss of these two incredible young women. Grace’s mom confirmed that her daughter and Elizabeth were best friends. They attended Wakeland High School together in Frisco and were inseparable. “She was one of Grace’s best friends,” she said. “They were always together at each other’s house.” They will both be missed dearly, and their lives shall be honored forever.
“We will miss her till the day we die,” her mother wrote to social media. “She is our guardian angel now. #GraceStrongForever“
