Ponder, Texas, January 30, 2026
Caden Nowicki, a 17-year-old senior at Ponder High School, tragically lost his life after a sledding accident on January 26, 2026. The incident occurred while he was being towed in a kayak by an ATV, leading to critical injuries and his eventual death. The Ponder community has rallied together to support the Nowicki family through memorial services, food collections, and fundraising efforts, amid ongoing investigations into the accident.
FAQ
What happened to Caden Nowicki?
Caden Nowicki, a 17-year-old senior at Ponder High School, was critically injured in a sledding accident on January 26, 2026. He was being towed in a kayak by an ATV when the kayak veered off the roadway, causing him to be ejected and collide with a fence. He was airlifted to Medical City Denton, where he remained in critical condition until his death on January 29, 2026.
What is the community doing to support the Nowicki family?
The Ponder community has organized a memorial service for January 30, 2026, at 6 p.m. at Ponder First Baptist Church. The school district is collecting food gift cards to assist the family, with donations accepted at the high school’s front office or athletic office once school reopens. A GoFundMe campaign has also been launched to help with medical and funeral expenses, raising approximately $35,800 as of Thursday night.
Have there been other sledding-related accidents in North Texas recently?
Yes, earlier this week, two 16-year-old girls from Frisco, Elizabeth Angle and Grace Brito, died after a sledding accident. They were being pulled on a sled by a Jeep when it struck a curb and collided with a tree. Both girls were hospitalized in critical condition; Angle died shortly after the crash, and Brito passed away after spending more than a day in the ICU.
What safety measures are being recommended to prevent sledding accidents?
Officials are urging residents to exercise caution during winter activities. The Texas Department of Public Safety and local authorities emphasize the importance of adhering to safety guidelines to prevent such tragedies. Simple precautions, such as ensuring sledding areas are free from obstacles and avoiding towing sleds behind vehicles, can significantly reduce the risk of injury.
Is there an ongoing investigation into the Ponder sledding accident?
Yes, the Texas Department of Public Safety is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the Ponder sledding accident. As of now, it is not clear if the driver of the ATV will face any charges. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are committed to determining the cause of the accident to prevent future incidents.
Ponder, Texas – Ponder High School Student Dies Following Sledding Accident
Ponder High School senior Caden Nowicki, 17, has died after sustaining critical injuries in a sledding accident earlier this week.
Details of the Accident
The incident occurred on Monday, January 26, 2026, around 2:30 p.m. in the 400 block of Amyx Hill Road in Ponder, Texas. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, Nowicki was being towed in a kayak by an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) when the kayak veered off the roadway, causing Nowicki to be ejected and collide with a fence. He was airlifted to Medical City Denton, where he remained in critical condition until his death on Thursday, January 29, 2026, shortly before 2 p.m.
Community Response
Nowicki was a senior at Ponder High School and played on the school’s varsity football team as a running back and linebacker. The community has rallied in support of the Nowicki family during this difficult time. Ponder First Baptist Church has scheduled a memorial service for Friday, January 30, 2026, at 6 p.m. Additionally, the school district is collecting food gift cards to assist the family, with donations accepted at the high school’s front office or athletic office once school reopens. A GoFundMe campaign has also been launched to help with medical and funeral expenses, raising approximately $35,800 as of Thursday night.
Background Context
This tragic event follows 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 sledding accident. They were being pulled on a sled by a Jeep when it struck a curb and collided with a tree. Both girls were hospitalized in critical condition; Angle died shortly after the crash, and Brito passed away after spending more than a day in the ICU.
The Ponder Independent School District has expressed deep sympathy for the Nowicki family and has requested that the community respect their privacy during this challenging time. Superintendent James Hill described Nowicki as an “outstanding young man who is loved by many” and urged the community to keep the family in their thoughts and prayers.
Safety Reminders
In light of these incidents, officials are urging residents to exercise caution during winter activities. The Texas Department of Public Safety and local authorities emphasize the importance of adhering to safety guidelines to prevent such tragedies. Simple precautions, such as ensuring sledding areas are free from obstacles and avoiding towing sleds behind vehicles, can significantly reduce the risk of injury.
Investigation Status
The Texas Department of Public Safety is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the Ponder sledding accident. As of now, it is not clear if the driver of the ATV will face any charges. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are committed to determining the cause of the accident to prevent future incidents.
Community Support
The Ponder community has shown remarkable support for the Nowicki family. In addition to the memorial service and fundraising efforts, local residents have organized prayer vigils and have been offering assistance to the family in various forms. This outpouring of support highlights the close-knit nature of the community and their collective grief over the loss of a young life.
Conclusion
The loss of Caden Nowicki has deeply affected the Ponder community. As investigations continue, the focus remains on supporting the Nowicki family and promoting safety during winter activities to prevent further tragedies.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Victim | Caden Nowicki, 17-year-old senior at Ponder High School |
| Accident Date | January 26, 2026 |
| Location | 400 block of Amyx Hill Road, Ponder, Texas |
| Cause of Accident | Kayak being towed by ATV veered off roadway, causing ejection into a fence |
| Community Support | Memorial service, food gift card collection, GoFundMe campaign |
| Investigation Status | Ongoing; no charges filed as of now |
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