A Ponder High School senior who was critically injured in a sledding accident earlier this week has died, the district confirmed Thursday night. He was 17 and also a football player on the high school team.
Ponder Independent School District Superintendent James Hill said senior Caden Nowicki was snow sledding on Monday when he suffered severe injuries and was later hospitalized, according to CBS News. Ponder, Texas is a small rural town in Denton County in North Texas, located about 10 miles southwest of Denton and within the Dallas–Fort Worth metro area.
“With heavy hearts our #44 Caden Nowicki crossed through the gates into our heavenly Fathers arms today. We all know God hand selected His inside linebacker at 1:48pm. Please continue to pray for the Nowicki family. Rest Easy & Fly High #44 We Love You Wicki,” the post from Marcus Schulz states according to CBS News.
A spokesperson for the Texas Department of Public Safety told CBS News Texas that Nowicki was riding inside a kayak being towed behind an ATV when the kayak veered off the road. He was thrown from the kayak and struck a fence, authorities said. Nowicki was rushed to the ICU at Medical City Denton. He later died in the hospital after sustaining severe injuries. The driver of the ATV and passenger were not hurt in the accident.
Authorities said the investigation is ongoing, and it is not yet clear if charges will be filed.
According to the family’s GoFundMe, the Nowicki family is mourning the loss of their son, Caden Lake Nowicki, who died earlier this week. In the days following his injury, loved ones said Caden brought the Ponder community together, reminding them of the power of love, unity, and support during an incredibly difficult time.
The fundraiser states that donations will help the family cover medical and funeral expenses, allowing them to focus on grieving and honoring Caden’s life as they navigate the days ahead.
The incident came amid other deadly sledding-related accidents in North Texas. Earlier this week in Frisco, Texas, two 16-year-old girls were killed while riding on a sled being pulled by a Jeep. Officials said the vehicle hit a curb and crashed into a tree.
