Texas high school football star dies in twin brother’s arms after stabbing at school track meet
A 17-year-old athlete’s life was cut short during a tragic altercation at a Frisco stadium, leaving his twin brother and community devastated.
Austin Metcalf, a high school football player from Texas, was fatally stabbed during a school track meet on April 2. His twin brother tried to save him, but Austin died in his arms before help could arrive.
The incident happened during a district track meet at Kuykendall Stadium in Frisco, Texas. The event brought together students from multiple Frisco Independent School District (ISD) schools.
According to authorities, Austin Metcalf and another student, 17-year-old Karmelo Anthony, got into a dispute over seating. The two had reportedly never met before. Police said the confrontation escalated quickly when Anthony reached into his backpack, pulled out a knife, and stabbed Austin in the chest.
Witnesses said the entire incident unfolded in less than 30 seconds.
Emergency crews performed CPR and tried to stop the bleeding. Despite their efforts, Austin was pronounced dead at the scene.
“He died in his brother’s arms”
Austin’s father, Jeff Metcalf, told reporters that his son had told the other student he didn’t belong in that section of the stands. He said the attacker was wearing a tracksuit from a different school and had refused to move when asked.
Jeff recalled the heartbreaking scene when he arrived at the stadium. “They said he wasn’t breathing. I could see all the blood, and I saw where the wound was,” he told NBC News. “We prayed… but they weren’t able to save him. This is murder.”
Even more devastating was that Austin’s twin brother, Hunter, was there when it happened. Jeff said, “They were identical twins, and his brother was holding on to him, trying to stop the bleeding. He died in his brother’s arms.”
In an interview with WFAA, Hunter described the moment he tried to help. “I tried to whip around as fast as I could,” he said. Speaking to FOX News, he added, “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.”
Who was Austin Metcalf?
Austin was known as a leader on and off the field. He was a dedicated student, a standout athlete, and a role model to his peers.
“He was on the right track,” Jeff said. “He was loved by many. He was a leader.”
In a statement on a GoFundMe page created to support the family, Jeff described Austin as someone who gave everything his all: “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.”
Jeff also questioned the environment that may have shaped the teen responsible. “I’m not trying to judge, but what kind of parents did this child have? What was he taught?” he asked. “He brought a knife to a track meet and murdered my son by stabbing him in the heart.”
The investigation and school response
Frisco police arrested Karmelo Anthony at the scene. He has been charged with murder and is currently in custody.
In a public 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.”
The school district has been working with law enforcement to provide counseling and support services for students and staff affected by the tragedy.
The championship track meet was shut down immediately after the incident. Police secured the stadium, and all students were safely sent back to their schools. Investigators have not confirmed the exact location of the stabbing but were seen examining a section of the stands.
A community shows its support
The Metcalf family has received an outpouring of love and support. The GoFundMe campaign surpassed its $140,000 goal in just days, raising over $175,000 from more than 1,300 donors.
Even in his grief, Jeff expressed something powerful: forgiveness.
“You know what, I already forgive this person,” he said. “Already. God takes care of things. God is going to take care of me. God is going to take care of my family.”
A life gone too soon
Austin’s death is more than a headline—it’s a wake-up call. A young life, full of promise and hope, was lost in a senseless act of violence. The Metcalfs are left with unimaginable grief, and Hunter must now go on without the brother he grew up with every step of the way.
This tragedy is a painful reminder that life is fragile. One reckless moment can take everything away—not just from one person, but from an entire family, a school, and a community.
Austin, you were deeply loved—and you will be missed.
