Ponder, Texas, January 31, 2026
Caden Nowicki, a 17-year-old senior at Ponder High School, tragically passed away after a sledding accident in Ponder, Texas. Riding in a kayak towed by an ATV, he was ejected and collided with a fence on January 26, sustaining critical injuries. His death is the third sledding-related fatality among North Texas teenagers during a recent winter storm, prompting community support for his family and calls for safety measures during winter activities.
Ponder, Texas – Tragic Sledding Accident Claims Life of High School Senior
Ponder High School senior Caden Nowicki, 17, has died following a sledding accident that occurred earlier this week in Ponder, Texas. His passing marks the third sledding-related fatality among North Texas teenagers during the recent winter storm.
Details of the Accident
On Monday, January 26, 2026, at approximately 2:30 p.m., Nowicki was riding in a kayak being towed by an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) along the 400 block of Amyx Hill Road. The kayak veered off the roadway, causing Nowicki to be ejected and collide with a fence. He was transported to Medical City Denton Hospital, where he remained in critical condition until his death on Thursday, January 29, 2026. The driver of the ATV, 22-year-old Jackson Long of Yukon, Oklahoma, and his passenger, 18-year-old Austin Erickson, were uninjured in the incident. The Texas Department of Public Safety is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident.
Community Response
Nowicki was a senior at Ponder High School and a member of the varsity football team. In response to the tragedy, Ponder First Baptist Church has organized a memorial service scheduled for Friday, January 30, 2026, at 6 p.m. The community has also initiated fundraising efforts to support Nowicki’s family during this difficult time.
Recent Sledding Accidents in North Texas
This incident is part of a series of sledding-related accidents in North Texas during the recent winter storm. Earlier this week, two 16-year-old girls from Frisco, Elizabeth Angle and Grace Brito, died after a sled being towed by a Jeep struck a curb and collided with a tree. Both were students at Wakeland High School.
Safety Precautions
In light of these tragedies, local authorities and health experts are urging residents to exercise caution during winter activities. Simple safety measures, such as using appropriate equipment and avoiding towing sleds behind vehicles, can help prevent accidents and ensure a safer winter experience.
Background Context
The recent winter storm in North Texas has led to hazardous conditions, including icy roads and heavy snowfall. These conditions have contributed to an increase in sledding-related accidents, prompting officials to emphasize the importance of safety during winter activities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happened in the sledding accident involving Caden Nowicki?
On Monday, January 26, 2026, at approximately 2:30 p.m., Caden Nowicki was riding in a kayak being towed by an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) along the 400 block of Amyx Hill Road in Ponder, Texas. The kayak veered off the roadway, causing Nowicki to be ejected and collide with a fence. He was transported to Medical City Denton Hospital, where he remained in critical condition until his death on Thursday, January 29, 2026. The driver of the ATV, 22-year-old Jackson Long of Yukon, Oklahoma, and his passenger, 18-year-old Austin Erickson, were uninjured in the incident. The Texas Department of Public Safety is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident.
What is the community’s response to Caden Nowicki’s death?
In response to the tragedy, Ponder First Baptist Church has organized a memorial service scheduled for Friday, January 30, 2026, at 6 p.m. The community has also initiated fundraising efforts to support Nowicki’s family during this difficult time.
Have there been other sledding-related fatalities in North Texas recently?
Yes, earlier this week, two 16-year-old girls from Frisco, Elizabeth Angle and Grace Brito, died after a sled being towed by a Jeep struck a curb and collided with a tree. Both were students at Wakeland High School.
What safety precautions are being recommended to prevent sledding accidents?
Local authorities and health experts are urging residents to exercise caution during winter activities. Simple safety measures, such as using appropriate equipment and avoiding towing sleds behind vehicles, can help prevent accidents and ensure a safer winter experience.
What are the current weather conditions in Ponder, Texas?
As of January 31, 2026, Ponder, Texas, is experiencing cold temperatures with a high of 4.4°C (40°F) and a low of -2.2°C (28°F). These conditions contribute to hazardous winter activities and increase the risk of accidents.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Victim | Caden Nowicki, 17, senior at Ponder High School, varsity football player |
| Accident Details | Occurred on January 26, 2026, at approximately 2:30 p.m. on Amyx Hill Road in Ponder, Texas. Nowicki was riding in a kayak towed by an ATV when the kayak veered off the roadway, causing him to be ejected and collide with a fence. He was transported to Medical City Denton Hospital, where he remained in critical condition until his death on January 29, 2026. The driver of the ATV, 22-year-old Jackson Long of Yukon, Oklahoma, and his passenger, 18-year-old Austin Erickson, were uninjured. The Texas Department of Public Safety is investigating the incident. |
| Community Response | Ponder First Baptist Church has organized a memorial service scheduled for January 30, 2026, at 6 p.m. The community has initiated fundraising efforts to support Nowicki’s family during this difficult time. |
| Recent Sledding Accidents in North Texas | Earlier this week, two 16-year-old girls from Frisco, Elizabeth Angle and Grace Brito, died after a sled being towed by a Jeep struck a curb and collided with a tree. |
| Safety Precautions | Local authorities and health experts are urging residents to exercise caution during winter activities. Simple safety measures, such as using appropriate equipment and avoiding towing sleds behind vehicles, can help prevent accidents and ensure a safer winter experience. |
| Weather Conditions | As of January 31, 2026, Ponder, Texas, is experiencing cold temperatures with a high of 4.4°C (40°F) and a low of -2.2°C (28°F). These conditions contribute to hazardous winter activities and increase the risk of accidents. |
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