What should have been an ordinary high school track meet turned 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 the morning of April 2, police and emergency responders rushed to Kuykendall Stadium in Frisco, Texas, after reports of a stabbing during a confrontation between two students.
According to the New York Post, the two multi-sport athletes — who had never crossed paths before April 2 — became embroiled in a heated dispute over a seat during the event, which involved multiple Frisco ISD schools.
The attacking student swiftly reached into his backpack, pulled out a knife, and stabbed Austin in the chest. The entire altercation unfolded in less than 30 seconds.
Authorities immediately fought to save Austin’s life, performing CPR and administering blood in a desperate attempt to revive him. But despite their best efforts, the 17-year-old died at the scene.
The tragedy has left the community in shock. A young student being stabbed at a school event is unheard of. Austin’s father, Jeff, believes the altercation began when his son told the suspect he was in the wrong place. Jeff also stated that Austin did not know the student who took his life.
When Jeff arrived at the stadium after hearing what had happened, he was met with a sight no parent should ever have to endure — his son, lying motionless on a stretcher.
“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.
Even more devastating, Austin’s twin brother, Hunter, witnessed the horrific attack and tried to save him.
”They were twins, identical twins, and his brother was holding on to him, trying to make it stop bleeding, and he died in his brother’s arms,” Jeff said.
”I tried to save my brother”
Hunter, Austin’s twin, shared the painful moment he attempted to save his brother’s life.
”I tried to whip around as fast as I could,” he told WFAA, his voice shaking.
”I put my hand on there. I grabbed his hand and looked in his eyes. I just saw his soul leave, and it took mine too,” Hunter Metcalf told FOX News, recalling the heartbreaking moment.
He held Austin until first responders arrived.
17 years ago my life was changed forever. I was blessed with two beautiful twin boys that would forever affect the way I…
Posted by Jeff Metcalf on Wednesday, July 31, 2024
“It was really senseless,” Hunter said. “[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 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.”
Recommended Article
Remembering Austin
Austin was a dedicated student, a top performer in school, and a standout player on his high school football team.
He was a leader, someone his peers could count on.
”He was on the right track,” Jeff shared. ”He was loved by many. He was a leader.”
Jeff also questioned the upbringing of the teen who took his son’s life.
”I’m not trying to judge, but what kind of parents did this child have? What was he taught? He brought a knife to a track meet and he murdered my son by stabbing him in the heart.”
Investigation and aftermath
Frisco Police arrested the 17-year-old suspect, Karmelo Anthony, who is now facing murder charges.
In an official statement, the Frisco Police Department said, ”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.”
Authorities assured the community they are working closely with the Frisco Independent School District to offer support during this difficult time.
The 11-5A district championship track meet, which involved over 100 students from eight schools, was immediately shut down following the incident. The stadium was secured, and all students were sent back to their campuses.
Investigators have not disclosed the exact location within the stadium where the stabbing occurred, but police were seen examining a section of the stands near the track.
An outpouring of support
As the investigation continues, the Metcalf family has received an overwhelming amount of support. A GoFundMe campaign organized by Jeff has raised over $175,000 toward a $140,000 goal, with more than 1,300 donations pouring in.
In the fundraiser post, Jeff honored his son 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 his unimaginable pain, Jeff expressed something many would find hard to comprehend — 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 have to bury their child. No sibling should have to hold their twin as they take their last breath. And yet, this is the tragic reality the Metcalf family now faces.
Violence like this doesn’t just steal a future—it leaves behind a void that can never truly be filled. Austin’s story is 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.
