Texas Star HS Football Player Caden Nowicki Dies After Snow Sledding Accident
A Texas High School football player has died following a tragic snow sledding accident earlier this week. Ponder High School head football coach Marcus Schulz confirmed that linebacker Caden Nowicki passed away on Thursday, Jan. 29, after suffering critical injuries in the incident.
“With heavy hearts our #44 Caden Nowicki crossed through the gates into our heavenly Father’s arms today,” Schulz wrote in a social media post. “We all know God hand selected His inside linebacker at 1:48 p.m. Please continue to pray for the Nowicki family. Rest Easy & Fly High #44. We Love You Wicki!”
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, the accident occurred around 2:30 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 26, in the 400 block of Amyz Hill Road in Ponder, a town in Denton County located approximately 50 miles northwest of Dallas.
A preliminary investigation revealed that an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) was towing a kayak being used as a sled due to snowy conditions. The kayak left the roadway, causing the passenger, 17-year-old Caden Nowicki, to be ejected. He was thrown into a fence, resulting in severe injuries.
Nowicki was transported to Medical City Denton, where he was admitted to the intensive care unit. Despite medical efforts, he later succumbed to his injuries.
Authorities stated that the driver of the ATV and another passenger were not injured in the crash. The investigation into the incident remains ongoing.
Nowicki’s death has sent shockwaves through the Ponder community, where he was known not only as a dedicated football player wearing jersey No. 44, but also as a valued teammate and friend. Counselors and support services are expected to be made available to students and staff as the community continues to mourn the loss of a young life taken far too soon.
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