Teenage Best Friends Who Were 'Always Together' Die in Sledding Accident, Parents Describe Lost Daughter as 'Our Guardian Angel'

A pair of 16-year-old best friends who were involved in a tragic sledding accident in Texas have both died.

On Sunday (January 25), the Frisco Police Department confirmed in a news release that they’d responded to a call about an accident involving three teens, including two who were being pulled on a sled behind a Jeep Wrangler.

Authorities said that the two being pulled by the sled suffered “life threatening injuries.” An early investigation suggested that their sled “struck a curb and collided with a tree.”

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The victims were rushed to local hospitals, where the first was pronounced dead. She was later identified as Elizabeth “Lizzie” Angle by family and friends to FOX 4.

At the time, the second victim was described as being “in critical condition” by authorities.

In a follow-up release on Wednesday (January 28), the police department confirmed that the second victim had tragically died.

She was identified as Grace “Gracie” Brito by her parents, who shared a statement with CBS News.

“We are a family of four — myself, my husband, Grace and Emma,” Tracy Brito, her mom, wrote. “Our family is heartbroken and devastated by the loss of our beautiful daughter, Gracie.”

Gracie, an All-Star cheerleader, was described as being “a kind and generous soul, full of love, affection and warmth” by her mother, who also said that she “valued teamwork, friendship and encouragement.”

Mourning the loss of her “creative, strong‑minded, and a VERY bubbly girl,” Tracy said that the family would “miss her till the day we die.”

“She is our guardian angel now,” she said.

As for her relationship with Lizzie, she said that the girls “were always together at each other’s houses.”

In tributes shared with FOX 4, Lizzie was remembered as a dedicated soccer player and a sophomore at Wakeland High School.

Lizzie‘s mother said that her daughter was “a bright light, a fun spirit a brave soul,” adding that their family would “never be the same.”

Both girls had just recently received their driver’s licenses. Gracie‘s parents noted that she had selected to be an organ donor.

A memorial for the girls was put up where the accident took place, according to FOX 4.

In their most recent statement, the Frisco Police Department addressed what they described as “rumors circulating online” during the investigation, writing, “There has been no indication of alcohol involvement by any of the involved parties.”

They noted that they were working alongside the Denton County District Attorney’s Office to determine next steps.

Another community in Texas is in mourning for three brothers who drowned after falling into a frozen pond. Their mother recalled desperately trying to pull them to safety in an emotional interview.