SAT . Third Texas Teen Dies After Tragic Makeshift Sledding Accident During Winter Storm
A Texas community is mourning tonight after a third teenager lost their life in a devastating makeshift sledding accident during the recent winter storm.
This time, the heartbreak is centered in Ponder, where family, friends, classmates, and neighbors are grieving the loss of 17-year-old Caden Nowicki.
Caden was a senior at Ponder High School and a standout football player — known for his strength on the field and his spirit off of it.
According to reports, during the winter storm Caden was riding inside a kayak that was being pulled by an ATV down a road. What was meant to be a moment of harmless fun — a memory to laugh about later — turned tragic in an instant.
The kayak veered off the road and slammed into a fence. Caden was thrown with devastating force.
He was airlifted to the hospital and spent three days fighting for his life in the ICU. Despite every effort, his injuries were too severe.
Caden passed away.
His death comes just days after two other Texas teenagers — best friends from Frisco — were killed in a similar incident after being pulled on a sled behind a Jeep. In a matter of days, what many viewed as innocent winter fun has now claimed three young lives across the state.
The driver of the ATV and a passenger involved in Caden’s accident were not physically injured, though the emotional weight of the tragedy is expected to be profound.
Caden’s family shared that in just a few short days, their son taught everyone around him what love, unity, and true community really mean — as people from all walks of life came together to grieve, pray, and support one another.
Tonight, an entire town is left asking the same painful questions, while holding tightly to one another in unimaginable loss.
The community is asking for prayers and condolences for Caden’s family as they attempt to navigate a grief no parent should ever have to endure.
What do you say to a family trying to survive this kind of loss?
Sometimes, the only words that remain are:
You are not alone. And your son will never be forgotten.
