Community Mourns Loss of Gracie Brito Following Fatal Frisco Sledding Accident
The Frisco, Texas community is grieving the heartbreaking loss of 16-year-old Grace “Gracie” Brito, who died Tuesday night from injuries sustained in a severe sledding accident that also claimed the life of her best friend. The incident, which occurred during the recent winter storm, has sparked an outpouring of support for the families involved while highlighting critical safety concerns regarding winter recreational activities involving vehicles.
Brito, a sophomore at Wakeland High School, had been on life support since Sunday afternoon following the crash near Majestic Gardens Drive and Killian Court. Frisco Police Department reports indicate that Brito and her best friend, 16-year-old Elizabeth “Lizzie” Angle, were riding on a sled being pulled by a Jeep Wrangler driven by another teenager. Witnesses stated that the sled struck a curb, causing the girls to lose control and collide with a tree. Angle died shortly after arriving at the hospital, while Brito fought for her life for two additional days before passing away.
Loved ones have filled social media and community forums with tributes, describing the girls as inseparable “besties” who were holding onto each other during the accident. The emotional weight of the tragedy is captured by the sentiment that Brito left a “handprint on my heart” for those who knew her. Family members described Gracie as a selfless individual who had recently registered as an organ donor, a final wish her family is honoring. The Frisco Independent School District has mobilized grief counselors to support students and staff at Wakeland High School as they process the double tragedy.
The accident has prompted urgent discussions regarding the safety of “vehicle-pulled” sledding. While residents often look for entertainment during rare Texas ice storms, authorities warn that towing sleds behind motorized vehicles on public roadways is illegal and exceptionally dangerous due to the lack of steering control and braking ability on the sleds. Police officials have emphasized that even at low speeds, the momentum of a towed object can lead to fatal impacts with stationary objects like trees, mailboxes, or parked cars. The investigation into the collision remains active, with support from the Denton County District Attorney’s Office, as officials urge the public to restrict sledding to designated, vehicle-free slopes to prevent further loss of life.
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