A 16-year-old girl, who sadly lost her life in a sledding accident during an unusual winter storm in Texas, has been remembered as a promising soccer player.
Elizabeth Angle and a friend attached their sled to a 16-year-old Jeep for a thrilling ride on Sunday afternoon, right after Winter Storm Fern had moved through the region, according to family and news sources.
Reports from police indicate that their sled hit a curb while trying to navigate a sharp turn and subsequently crashed into a tree.
Both Elizabeth and her friend were taken to the hospital, but Angle, unfortunately, “succumbed to her injuries” there, while her teammate, whose name hasn’t been disclosed, remains in critical condition.
Elizabeth was a sophomore at Wakeland High School, where she played on the junior varsity soccer team in the fall. During the offseason, she participated in the FC Dallas’ 2009G club team.
Her mother shared that Elizabeth had just obtained her driver’s license and was looking forward to spending the snowy weekend with friends.
“We will never be the same,” she expressed, reflecting her deep loss.
In a heartfelt social media post, her mother described Elizabeth as “a bright light, a joyful spirit, and a brave soul.”
In memory of Elizabeth, her soccer coach, Luis Ramos, dedicated a poignant poem to celebrate her “gentle voice.”
He recounted how she understood the importance of standing firm, enduring challenges, and protecting what she valued.
Ramos also mentioned an ankle injury Elizabeth suffered during her time with the team but noted that her healing journey built her resilience.
“She came back stronger,” he wrote, reflecting on both her physical and mental growth. “Now… even though the field feels different, we believe God has called her home—not in defeat but in victory.”
Wakeland High School plans to hold a moment of silence for Elizabeth during the second hour of reopening and will offer mental health support for students and staff in mourning.
The sledding accident remains under investigation, and no arrests have been reported.
Angle and her companion were among 35 young individuals who were hospitalized with sledding-related injuries over the weekend, according to authorities.
The youngest patient was just 2 years old, with injuries ranging from broken bones to internal lacerations, as reported by the Cook Children’s Health Care System.
Dr. Taylor Ruden, medical director of emergency services at Cook Children’s Medical Center, warned, “What we have here in Texas is not snow. This is ice, and hitting one’s head on the ice can result in fatal injuries.”
Nationwide, at least 28 fatalities have been linked to Winter Storm Fern, with many of the incidents still under investigation; some may involve hypothermia.
