NEED TO KNOW
- A teenage girl has died and her friend is in critical condition after the pair hit a tree while sledding in Texas, according to police
- The two girls, both 16, were being pulled by a Jeep Wrangler driven by a 16-year-old boy when the crash occurred, police said
- One witness said he saw the Jeep accelerate “really quickly” before the crash and said he could hear the girls screaming while being pulled
A teenage girl has died after a sledding accident in Texas.
The fatal incident occurred just before 2:30 p.m. local time on Sunday, Jan. 25, in the area of Majestic Gardens Drive and Killian Court in Frisco, according to a news release from the Frisco Police Department (FPD).
A preliminary investigation indicated a 16-year-old boy was driving a Jeep Wrangler while pulling the two girls on a sled when witnesses said the sled hit a curb before slamming into a tree.
Upon arriving at the scene, first responders found the two 16-year-old girls with life-threatening injuries, “and began administering life saving measures,” according to police.
Both girls were transported to local hospitals, where one died from injuries, they said. The second girl was in critical condition. Neither teen has been publicly identified.
“The Frisco Police Department extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends affected by this tragic incident. Our thoughts are with them during this difficult time,” police said in a statement.
Mark Fischer, who lives in the neighborhood where the incident occurred, said he saw the Jeep accelerate “really quickly” before the crash, according to CBS affiliate WTVT. He also heard the girls screaming, but was not sure if it was out of fun or fear, he said.
“I lost sight of them as they kind of came around the corner and that was the last I heard,” Fischer said. “From what I saw, the acceleration, especially when it’s ice like this… to be going that fast and, you know, a sled can’t stop.”
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
The FPD is now asking the public to remember “that snow and ice can create extremely slippery surfaces and lead to serious or even deadly accidents.”
“Please stay alert, stay indoors when possible, and avoid any unnecessary outdoor activity until conditions improve,” the department said. “Your safety comes first.”
Anyone with information about the fatal incident is asked to contact the FPD at (972) 292-6010. Tips can also be submitted anonymously by texting FRISCOPD and the tip to 847411 (tip411) or via the Frisco PD app.
Read the full article here
