Texas Community Reels as Third Teen Dies in Sledding Tragedy Within Days
PONDER, Texas — A North Texas community is grappling with a devastating loss after 17-year-old Caden Nowicki, a senior at Ponder High School, succumbed to injuries sustained in a sledding accident last week. His death is the third such tragedy to strike the region in a matter of days, casting a pall over winter activities and prompting calls for heightened safety awareness.
Nowicki, a linebacker for the Ponder Leopards football team, was critically injured on the afternoon of January 26. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, the teen was riding in a kayak being towed by an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) on Amyz Hill Road when the kayak veered off the roadway. Nowicki was ejected and struck a fence. He passed away on January 29.
"With heavy hearts, our #44 Caden Nowicki crossed through the gates into our heavenly Father's arms today," wrote Ponder ISD Athletic Director Marcus Schulz in a social media tribute. "We all know God hand selected His inside linebacker."
The incident occurred just days after two 16-year-old girls from Frisco, Elizabeth Angle and Grace 'Gracie' Brito, died following a similar accident on January 25. Police reports indicate their sled, which was being pulled by a Jeep, hit a curb and collided with a tree.
These consecutive tragedies have ignited a painful conversation about the often-underestimated risks of sledding, particularly when combined with motorized towing—a popular but hazardous practice. Safety experts have long warned that such activities can lead to a loss of control and high-impact collisions.
Community Voices:
"Caden was the heart of our team. This isn't just a loss for his family; it's a loss for every kid who looked up to him. We're shattered, but we'll play next season for #44." — Mark Reynolds, Ponder High School football teammate.
"As a parent, my first thought is, 'This could have been my child.' These weren't freak accidents; they were preventable. When are we going to start treating sledding behind vehicles with the same seriousness as driving without a seatbelt?" — Dr. Anya Sharma, local pediatrician and mother of two teens.
"It's a horrible, heartbreaking week for Texas. But let's be clear: banning fun isn't the answer. Kids have been sledding for generations. This is about personal responsibility and parents knowing what their kids are doing. We can't bubble-wrap the world." — Ben Carter, owner of a local outdoor recreation shop.
Superintendent James Hill described Nowicki as an "outstanding young man who is loved by many." The driver of the ATV, 22-year-old Jackson Long of Oklahoma, and an 18-year-old passenger were not injured. Investigations by the DPS are ongoing.
The Frisco and Ponder school districts have mobilized grief counselors to support students and staff as they mourn the loss of three vibrant young lives in an unbearably short span of time.