What was meant to be a typical high school track meet quickly spiraled into a nightmare for 17-year-old Austin Metcalf.
The promising athlete was fatally stabbed by another student, leaving his heartbroken family searching for answers — how could this happen?
A Shocking Crime
On April 2, a high school track meet at Kuykendall Stadium in Frisco, Texas, took a horrifying turn when a confrontation between two students led to a fatal stabbing.
As reported by the New York Post, the two multi-sport athletes, who had never crossed paths before that day, became involved in a heated argument over a seat during the event, which included multiple Frisco ISD schools.
In a shocking moment, the attacker reached into his backpack, pulled out a knife, and fatally stabbed 17-year-old Austin Metcalf in the chest. The entire altercation unfolded in less than 30 seconds.
Despite immediate attempts by authorities to save Austin’s life, including CPR and blood transfusions, the young athlete tragically died at the scene.
The community is left in utter disbelief. A stabbing at a school event is unimaginable, and Austin’s father, Jeff, believes the altercation began when his son told the attacker he was sitting in the wrong place. He also shared that Austin did not know the student who took his life.
When Jeff arrived at the stadium after hearing the news, he was met with a sight no parent should ever have to endure — his son, lying motionless on a stretcher, a victim of an unimaginable tragedy.
“They said he wasn’t breathing. I could see all the blood, and I saw where the wound was… we prayed, and it’s God’s plan, I don’t understand it, but they weren’t able to save him. This is murder,” Jeff told NBC, his voice breaking with grief.
The heartbreak deepened even further. Austin’s twin brother, Hunter, was there to witness the attack and desperately tried to save him.
“They were twins, identical twins, and his brother was holding him, trying to stop the bleeding. And he died in his brother’s arms,” Jeff said, his pain evident as he shared the unimaginable loss.
“I Tried to Save My Brother”
Hunter, Austin’s twin, opened up about the excruciating moment he tried to save his brother’s life.
“I tried to whip around as fast as I could,” he told WFAA, his voice trembling with emotion.
“I put my hand on him. I grabbed his hand and looked into his eyes. I just saw his soul leave, and it took mine too,” Hunter Metcalf recalled, speaking to FOX News about the heartbreaking moment that will forever haunt him.
“It was really senseless,” Hunter said, his voice filled with pain. “[Austin] did everything for our family. He was a strong man. He was a strong kid…”
According to Austin’s family, the altercation began in the stands over a simple seating dispute.
”They were sitting there, and someone was behind them mouthing off. They turned around and said, ‘Who are you?’ And he said, ‘I’m Melo.’ And they said, ‘Well, you don’t belong here. You don’t go to Memorial.’ He had a Centennial tracksuit on. They said, ‘Well, you need to leave. This ain’t your spot,’” Jeff Metcalf explained. “And some words were discussed that I’m not gonna say on camera, but he asked him to leave and he basically said, ‘Make me.’ And then he wound up stabbing him in the heart and killing him — all over someone sitting in the wrong spot at a track meet.”
Remembering Austin
Austin Metcalf was a bright and promising young man whose life was tragically cut short. He was not only a dedicated student but also a standout athlete and a leader in every sense of the word. Austin’s passion for life, commitment to his family, and unwavering support for his friends made him someone everyone could count on.
“Austin was on the right track,” his father, Jeff, shared with deep emotion. “He was loved by many. He was a leader.”
In the classroom and on the football field, Austin was known for his hard work, perseverance, and ability to inspire those around him. He had a bright future ahead, full of potential, and he was taken from his family and community far too soon.
The loss of Austin has left a hole in the hearts of all who knew him. His friends, family, and teammates remember him not just for his achievements but for the kindness and strength he exuded every day. Austin’s memory will live on, not only in the stories shared by those who loved him but in the lasting impact he made on their lives.
Although Austin’s life was tragically ended, his spirit and the love he gave to the world will never be forgotten. His legacy of leadership, compassion, and dedication continues to inspire those who carry his memory.
Investigation and Aftermath
The Frisco Police quickly arrested the 17-year-old suspect, Karmelo Anthony, who now faces murder charges in connection to Austin’s tragic death.
In an official statement, the Frisco Police Department expressed their sorrow, saying, “The Frisco Police Department grieves with all those affected by this devastating loss and extends its deepest condolences to the victim’s family, students, and staff who are experiencing unimaginable pain.”
As the investigation continues, the community remains in shock, trying to process the senseless violence that took a promising young life.
Authorities have assured the community that they are working closely with the Frisco Independent School District to provide support during this incredibly difficult time.
The 11-5A district championship track meet, which involved over 100 students from eight schools, was immediately halted following the tragic incident. The stadium was secured, and all students were safely sent back to their respective campuses.
While investigators have not revealed the exact location within the stadium where the stabbing occurred, police were seen examining a section of the stands near the track, working to piece together the events that led to this heartbreaking tragedy. The community continues to mourn as the investigation unfolds.
An Outpouring of Support
As the investigation continues, the Metcalf family has been overwhelmed by an outpouring of support from their community and beyond. A GoFundMe campaign organized by Jeff has already raised over $175,000—far exceeding its $140,000 goal—thanks to more than 1,300 generous donations.
In the fundraiser post, Jeff honored his son with heartfelt words, describing him as a determined and passionate young man:
“He was a bright young man with a great future ahead of him. He was a leader of men. His smile would light up the room… His commitment, dedication, leadership, and sheer grit made him rise to the level of success that he desired.”
Despite the unimaginable pain, Jeff expressed something that many would find hard to comprehend—he expressed forgiveness.
“You know what, I already forgive this person. Already. God takes care of things. God is going to take care of me. God is going to take care of my family.”
No parent should ever have to bury their child. No sibling should ever have to hold their twin as they take their last breath. And yet, this is the tragic reality that the Metcalf family now faces.
Violence like this doesn’t just steal a future—it leaves behind an empty space that can never be truly filled. Austin’s story serves as a painful reminder of how fragile life is, and how quickly it can be taken away.
Let this be a wake-up call. One reckless act can destroy not just one life, but many.
As the Metcalf family mourns their devastating loss, one thing is certain — Austin’s impact will never be forgotten.
Rest in peace, Austin. You were loved, and you will be missed. Your legacy of kindness, strength, and leadership will continue to inspire all who knew you.