Football Player Dies in Tragic Sledding Accident
A tragic sledding accident claimed the life of a Ponder ISD football player earlier this week. Caden Nowicki, a senior at Ponder High School, passed away on January 29, 2023. He was just 17 years old.
Details of the Accident
The accident occurred on January 26 around 2:30 PM in the 400 block of Amyz Hill Road, Ponder, Texas. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, an ATV was towing a kayak used as a sled. Unfortunately, the kayak veered off the roadway, leading to Nowicki’s ejection and subsequent collision with a fence.
- Date of Accident: January 26, 2023
- Time of Accident: 2:30 PM
- Location: Amyz Hill Road, Ponder, Texas
- Injuries: Critical injuries sustained by Caden Nowicki
- Outcome: Nowicki died on January 29
Community Response
Head football coach Marcus Schulz shared the heartbreaking news on social media, expressing the community’s grief. He called Nowicki a beloved player, urging prayers for the Nowicki family during this difficult time. Schulz wrote, “Please continue to pray for the Nowicki family. Rest Easy & Fly High #44 We Love You Wicki!”
The local community has come together to support Nowicki’s family. Ponder First Baptist Church organized a night of worship and prayer in his honor. Superintendent James Hill acknowledged Nowicki’s impact on the school and urged the community to respect the family’s privacy.
Rise in Sledding Accidents
This incident is part of a troubling trend, as sledding accidents have seen a rise during Texas’s recent winter storm. Just days prior, another tragic incident in Frisco resulted in two teen fatalities. Grace Brito, a 16-year-old involved in that accident, and her friend Elizabeth Angle were critically injured. Sadly, both succumbed to their injuries shortly thereafter.
Grace Brito’s mother shared that her daughter had recently become an organ donor. “We are still here, going through the organ donation process to honor Grace’s wishes,” she said. “She was a selfless person who always wanted to make others smile.”
Conclusion
The deaths of Caden Nowicki and two other teens have raised concerns over safety during winter activities. As the community mourns, they continue to offer support to the grieving families. The incidents serve as a reminder of the potential dangers associated with sledding, especially in unusual conditions.
