Another teenager from Texas has died from a sledding accident after one of the worst snowstorms the state has ever seen. Caden Nowicki, a high school senior from Ponder, Texas, recently succumbed to his injuries after a sledding accident on January 26, 2026.
Thoughts and Prayers
Nowicki was enjoying the snow day like any other teenager when it took a turn for the worse. He was riding in a kayak, which was being pulled by an ATV, when he was flipped into a fence. He was severely injured and rushed to the hospital. In a letter to parents and staff, Ponder Independent School District (ISD) Superintendent James Hill informed that a student was critically injured in a sledding accident. He referred to Nowicki as an “outstanding young man who is loved by many.”
On Thursday, January 29, Ponder Fellowship of Christian Athletes held a prayer service for Nowicki. Ponder ISD said it would collect food gift cards for Nowicki’s family, and opened up a drop-off location at the high school so that anyone who wanted to contribute could. “We ask that you keep Caden, his family, and friends in your fervent prayers and respect their need for privacy during this very difficult time. Our hearts are with them,” Hill said.
Three days later, on Thursday, January 29, Ponder ISD athletic director Marcus Schulz confirmed Nowicki had died in a post on X. Nowicki was an inside linebacker for the district’s football team, and according to the overwhelming support from his community, he was a valued member.
“With heavy hearts, our #44 Caden Nowicki crossed through the gates into our heavenly Father’s arms today,” Schulz wrote on X. “We all know God hand selected His inside linebacker at 1:48pm. Please continue to pray for the Nowicki family. Rest Easy & Fly High #44 We Love You Wicki!“
Sledding Accident
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), 17-year-old Nowicki was involved in a sledding accident on Monday around 2:25 p.m. local time near Amyz Hill Road in the town of Ponder, Denton County. They reported he was being towed by an ATV in a kayak when it “left the roadway,” causing Nowicki to be ejected into a fence.
DPS identified the ATV driver as 22-year-old Jackson Long, who is from Oklahoma. Beside him in the vehicle was 18-year-old Austin Erickson. Neither of them was injured in the accident.
Separate Fatal Sledding Incidents
This tragedy comes just after two 16-year-old girls from Frisco, Texas, were critically injured in a sledding accident and later passed away due to their injuries. Elizabeth “Lizzie” Angle and her best friend Grace “Gracie” Brito were riding a sled that was being pulled by another 16-year-old boy driving a Jeep Wrangler. Their sled hit a curb, and they wrapped a tree. Both girls sustained life-threatening injuries and were transported to the hospital immediately.
Lizzie passed away shortly after arriving at the hospital the day of the accident on Sunday, January 25. Gracie was placed on life support and held on for a few more days, but unfortunately, she also passed away on Tuesday, January 27. Upon confirmation of the deaths of both girls, public information officer Ryan Thomas said, “Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones affected by this heartbreaking event.”
A Week of Unimaginable Loss
What a devastating week it has been for Texas and many community members. There has been an intense rise in teen deaths following the snowstorm that hit the state. As families begin the grieving process, it is important to keep them in your thoughts and look around at what you have. Life is unpredictable, and should never be taken for granted. May Elizabeth Angle, Gracie Brito, and Caden Nowicki all rest in peace.
