On Saturday, Jan. 24, officials responded to reports of an accident in the 8500 block of Shimrod Road in Benton, Ark., NBC affiliate KARK, FOX affiliate WJBK and ABC affiliate KATV reported. A 17-year-old boy was riding on an inner tube being pulled by a motor vehicle when the tube hit a tree.
The teen, who has not been publicly identified, was found critically injured, according to KATV.
“Emergency responders provided immediate medical assistance; however, despite lifesaving efforts, the juvenile succumbed to his injuries,” authorities told the outlet in a statement.
A spokesperson for the Saline County Coroner’s Office confirmed that an investigation into the teen’s death is ongoing.
“The Saline County Sheriff’s Office extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones affected by this tragic loss,” officials told KATV. “We ask the community to keep the family in their thoughts and prayers and to respect their privacy during this difficult time.”
Texas: teen girl dies after sled pulled by Jeep hits curb, tree
A similar incident unfolded the next day in Texas. On Sunday, Jan. 25, first responders were called to the area near Majestic Gardens Drive and Killian Court in Frisco just before 2:30 p.m. local time, according to a news release from the Frisco Police Department.
Police said two 16-year-old girls were riding on a sled being pulled by a Jeep Wrangler when the sled hit a curb and crashed into a tree. One of the teens—identified by loved ones as Elizabeth Angle—later died at the hospital.
Her friend, Grace, remained in critical condition, police confirmed.
Sergeant Thomas, a spokesperson for the Frisco Police Department, said the Denton County District Attorney’s Office will determine whether criminal charges will be pursued.
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Community mourns Elizabeth Angle
In the wake of the crash, tributes poured in for Angle, a soccer player and sophomore at Wakeland High School.
Angle’s parents told CBS affiliate WTVT that she was kind and outgoing, and that she leaves behind two sisters, ages 12 and 18.
Luis Ramos, coach of FC Dallas club team, remembered Angle in a Facebook post as a center back who served as a “calm voice” on the team and “knew what it meant to stand her ground.”
“God called her home not in defeat, but in victory. Still guarding. Still strong. Now standing watch from higher ground,” Ramos wrote. “Elizabeth—our defender. Our teammate. Forever part of us.”
