A 16-year-old girl was killed in a sledding accident in Texas that has left another teenage girl in “critical condition,” according to police.
Two 16-year-old girls were found with life-threatening injuries after they were riding on a sled tied to a Jeep Wrangler, which was being driven by a 16-year-old boy in Frisco on Sunday, January 25, the Frisco Police Department said in a news release issued that day.
“Witnesses reported the sled struck a curb and collided with a tree,” police said.
After the crash, both teens were taken to a local hospital, where one died, according to police, who said that the other “is in critical condition.”
The teen who died was identified as Elizabeth Marie Angle in a Monday, January 26, Facebook post shared by her mother, Megan Taylor Angle. Elizabeth’s father, Brian Angle, was tagged in the post.
“It is with deep despair and utter shock that Brian and I announce the passing of our beautiful 16 year old girl, Elizabeth Marie Angle,” Megan wrote. “She was a bright light, a fun spirit, a brave soul. We loved her so much.”
“She just got a car and a license and had her whole life ahead of her,” Megan added. “It was all taken away so abruptly in a sledding accident yesterday.”
The Frisco Police Department said officers are investigating the sledding incident. The Denton County District Attorney’s Office is also involved in the investigation.
“The Frisco Police Department extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends affected by this tragic incident,” the department said. “Our thoughts are with them during this difficult time.”
Elizabeth was a sophomore student at Wakeland High School, where she played for the soccer team, KDFW FOX 4 News reported. She was also on an FC Dallas club team.
Fellow student Nathaniel Lisotta, who is a freshman at the school, was in the neighborhood after the crash occurred and told the TV station that “Thirty seconds before, they were probably all laughing, screaming, ‘How much fun,’ and just like that, it’s not fun anymore.”
Luis Ramos, who coached Elizabeth on the FC Dallas team, told WFAA that her death was a “big loss.”
He described the teen as “One of those people that you miss when they are not there.”
In a Sunday, January 25, Facebook post mourning Elizabeth, Ramos wrote that she played center back and was “The steady step when the game felt heavy.”
“Elizabeth — our defender,” the post said, in part. “Our teammate. Forever part of us.”
Wakeland High School said in a statement shared to Facebook on January 26 that additional counselors will be made available at the school on Wednesday, January 28, for students who need “a space to process yesterday’s accident.”
Elizabeth’s mother wrote in her Facebook post that “Life is fleeting and precious.”
“I take comfort that she had people helping her til the end,” Megan added. “We will never be the same and never forget how much love she brought to our family.”
