An unusually cold winter in parts of Texas produced a snowstorm that had thousands enjoying the wintery weather. Elizabeth Angle and best friend, Grace “Gracie” Brito, both 16, decided to get in on the fun and do some sledding in Frisco. Unfortunately, a day planned to gain wonderful memories ended in tragedy. The girls were riding on a sled towed by a teenager driving a Jeep. In a freak accident, their sled hit a curb and then careened into a tree, causing life-threatening injuries for Elizabeth and Gracie.
Elizabeth’s family shared the news of her death on January 26, 2026. Sadly, just two days later, news of Gracie’s death began to circulate. Megan Taylor Angle, Elizabeth’s mom, shared the news of Gracie’s death on Facebook.
“These sweet besties are together forever. I find some comfort knowing they are in heaven together. Such beautiful girls. Gracie was a sweet girl and a good friend,” she wrote in her post. “She and Elizabeth were always talking. Gracie was a cheerleader. She was OBSESSED with the musical Wicked. She was a teenager that would actually converse with me.
“They were holding on to each other on the sled,” the post continued. “Our hearts go out to the Brito family. We are forever connected.”
Gracie’s loved ones shared that the teen girl became an organ donor in a “final act of profound selflessness.”
A GoFundMe page called this an “incredibly difficult time” and aims to raise money for the family’s unexpected expenses.
“Gracie Brito tragically passed away on January 26th following a sledding accident. Gracie was a radiant, selfless light in the lives of everyone who knew her, and her sudden loss has left her family and friends heartbroken beyond words. As we come together to remember Gracie and celebrate the love she shared so freely, we hope to support her family in any way possible during this unimaginable time,” the fundraiser reads.
The Angle family created the Elizabeth Angle Foundation to provide scholarships that help children explore their passions.
“Elizabeth was often described as a bright light and magnetic soul. By contributing to this fund, you help Brian, Megan, Caroline, and Maggie carry forward what mattered most to their Lizzie—supporting children as they make the most out of each day by exploring their interests, growing their talents, and following their dreams,” the description on the GoFundMe account reads.
We cannot imagine how heartbroken these families must feel. If there is any solace in this type of situation, it’s that these best friends spent their last moments together having fun. It won’t bring them back, but perhaps it can create a small sense of peace.
