The tragic story of Austin Metcalf, a 17-year-old student-athlete from Frisco, Texas, has resonated deeply beyond his local community. Last week, Austin was fatally stabbed in the heart during a high school track meet, a senseless act that has left his family devastated and shocked those who knew him.
In a recent interview, his mother, Meghan Metcalf, spoke through tears, recounting the unimaginable moment when her surviving son, Hunter, witnessed his identical twin brother die in his arms. The bond between the twins was profound; they did everything together, from academics and sports to simply navigating life side by side.
On the morning of April 2, the Metcalf brothers were at David Kuykendall Stadium in Frisco, where Austin was set to compete in shot put and discus. While sitting in their school’s designated tent area, an unexpected confrontation arose with another student from Centennial High School, later identified as Anthony Karmel.
Hunter recounted that the student was sitting under their team’s tent, and when asked to move, the situation escalated quickly. “He started getting aggressive and talking recklessly,” Hunter recalled. “My brother stepped in and said, ‘You need to move.’ And he responded, ‘Make me move.’”
A witness reported that the student then said, “Touch me and see what happens,” before allegedly pulling a knife from his backpack and stabbing Austin in the chest. As the attacker fled, Hunter rushed to his brother’s side.
“I put my hand on the wound, trying to stop the bleeding, and I held his head and looked into his eyes,” Hunter said, his voice shaking. “I just saw his soul leave, and it took my soul, too.”
Paramedics arrived and rushed Austin to the hospital, but despite their efforts, he could not be saved. He passed away with his twin brother by his side.
Meghan Metcalf expressed that the pain is unlike anything she has ever experienced. “My son is gone, and I don’t really have words,” she shared on The Will Cain Show. “He’s going to be so missed, not just by our family, but by this entire community that has really wrapped their arms around us.”
She urged other parents to cherish every moment with their children. “Hug your babies tight,” she said. “You never know when it might be the last time.”
Austin was not only a talented athlete but also a leader, a friend, and a young man with big dreams. College scouts had recognized his talent and dedication. He was known for uplifting those around him, both on and off the field, filling his days with early workouts, school responsibilities, and helping his teammates succeed.
The tragedy is compounded by the deep connection he shared with Hunter. “We were always basically one person,” Hunter reflected. “He was a big brother even though we were the same age.”
In the aftermath of Austin’s death, the alleged attacker, 17-year-old Anthony Karmel, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder. Authorities reported that Karmel allegedly admitted to the stabbing and claimed self-defense. His bond has been set at $1 million.
As the legal proceedings begin, the emotional burden for the Metcalf family remains heavy. “I am so angry at that boy,” Meghan admitted. “It’s just not fair.”
Last week, hundreds gathered at the Metcalfs’ church to mourn and celebrate Austin’s life. Teammates, friends, teachers, and even strangers came together to offer support, creating memorials and sharing messages of love and remembrance on social media. Many have called for enhanced safety measures at school athletic events to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Through it all, Hunter, despite his profound grief, displayed a remarkable depth of empathy for someone his age. “I just pray for [the suspect’s] family,” he said. “I hope they understand what we’re going through.”
Austin Metcalf’s story serves as a poignant reminder of life’s fragility, illustrating how a single act of violence can alter futures and how the human spirit can still shine with love, resilience, and grace, even in the darkest of times.
