A Texas high school senior is the latest victim in a series of deadly sledding-related crashes during recent winter storms.
WASHINGTON — Another teenager has died in a sledding-related accident as winter storms continue to bring snow and dangerous conditions to various parts of the country.
A 17-year-old Texas high school senior, Caden Nowicki, died Thursday after being critically injured earlier this week while sledding in Denton County, according to school officials and state authorities.
Nowicki, a senior at Ponder Independent School District, was injured Monday afternoon when a kayak he was riding in was towed behind an ATV, the Texas Department of Public Safety said. The kayak left the roadway and Nowicki was ejected, striking a fence.
Nowicki was airlifted to a nearby hospital with serious injuries. He died days later.
Ponder ISD Athletic Director and head football coach Marcus Schulz confirmed Nowicki’s death in a social media post, writing, “With heavy hearts our #44 Caden Nowicki crossed through the gates into our heavenly Fathers arms today,”
Ponder ISD Superintendent James Hill also sent out a statement, describing Nowicki as “an outstanding young man who is loved by many” and said the district is collecting food gift cards for the family.
“We ask that you keep Caden, his family, and friends in your fervent prayers and respect their need for privacy during this very difficult time. Our hearts are with them,” Hill said.
The ATV driver, identified by DPS as 22-year-old Jackson Long of Oklahoma, and another passenger were not injured. The investigation remains ongoing.
Nowicki’s death comes just days after two other teens were killed in separate sledding incidents during the same winter storm system.
Last week, two 16-year-old girls in Frisco, Texas, both students in Frisco Independent School District, died after the sled they were riding struck a curb and crashed into a tree, police said. The teens were being pulled by a Jeep Wrangler when the crash occurred. One of the girls, Elizabeth Angle, was pronounced dead shortly after the incident. The second, Grace Brito, had initially been listed in critical condition, but later died from her injuries.
In Arkansas, a 17-year-old boy died while participating in “snow day activities.” Initial information gathered by officials suggested the teen was being pulled by an ATV when he struck a tree.
As snow and icy conditions spread to regions unaccustomed to winter weather, officials have repeatedly warned about the dangers of improvised sledding methods, particularly those involving vehicles.
Matthew Moreno contributed to this report.