Frisco, Texas — The tight-knit community of Frisco, Texas, is reeling from the tragic loss of Austin Metcalf, a 17-year-old junior at Frisco Memorial High School, who was fatally stabbed during a track meet on April 2, 2025. As the community prepares to honor his memory, funeral arrangements have been set for Saturday, April 12, at 10 a.m. at Hope Fellowship Frisco East, located at 9950 Rolater Rd. The service will be followed by a private burial, and in lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to a scholarship fund established in Austin’s honor. The devastating incident, which unfolded at the University Interscholastic League’s (UIL) District 11-5A championship track meet at Kuykendall Stadium, has left an indelible mark on the city, raising questions about safety at school events and sparking an outpouring of grief and support. A particularly haunting detail has emerged: Austin’s twin brother, Hunter, held him in his final moments, desperately trying to stem the flow of blood as first responders raced to the scene.

A Life Cut Short

Austin Metcalf was more than just a student-athlete; he was a beacon of light in his community. Described by his family, friends, and coaches as a kind-hearted, driven, and talented young man, Austin’s presence left an enduring impact on those who knew him. A standout linebacker on the Memorial High School football team, he was voted team MVP by his peers and coaches, a testament to his leadership and dedication. His passion for athletics extended to the track, where he was working to improve his speed to bolster his prospects for college football. His obituary paints a vivid picture of a young man “navigating the halls of life with dreams yet to be fully realized,” leaving behind “traces of joy and warmth in every moment shared.”

Austin’s father, Jeff Metcalf, spoke of his son’s natural leadership and infectious enthusiasm. “Austin was a leader. He led the football team. He was voted team MVP by his players and coaches,” Jeff shared in an emotional interview with FOX 4. “Football was his pride and joy. He was working on track and field to increase his speed.” The family had spent the weekend prior to the tragedy hunting together, a cherished activity that bonded Austin, his twin brother Hunter, and their father. “I’m so fortunate to be able to spend that weekend, not knowing it was the last weekend I’ll ever spend with him,” Jeff said, his voice heavy with grief.

Austin’s mother, Meghan, echoed these sentiments, describing her son as “the most amazing kid” with a bright future. “He was so smart. He had college football guys looking at him to play in college. His goal was to play in college,” she told WFAA. The loss of such a promising young life has left the Metcalf family grappling with an unimaginable void, compounded by the harrowing circumstances of Austin’s death.

The Tragic Incident

The fatal stabbing occurred during a seemingly routine track meet at Kuykendall Stadium, an event meant to showcase the talents of Frisco’s young athletes. According to reports, the incident stemmed from a confrontation over a seating arrangement in the stands. Austin and his teammates from Memorial High School were setting up their tent when they noticed another student, later identified as 17-year-old Karmelo Anthony from Frisco Centennial High School, standing nearby. Words were exchanged, with Austin and his teammates questioning why Anthony was in their section. The situation escalated rapidly, culminating in Anthony allegedly stabbing Austin in the chest.

Hunter Metcalf, Austin’s identical twin, witnessed the attack and rushed to his brother’s side. In a heart-wrenching account, Hunter described holding Austin as he struggled to breathe, attempting to stop the bleeding from the wound. “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 told FOX News. Despite his efforts and the swift response of the five certified athletic trainers on-site, Austin could not be saved. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Karmelo Anthony was arrested at the scene and charged with first-degree murder. He remains in custody at the Collin County Jail on a $1 million bond, with a bond hearing scheduled for the following Monday. According to an arrest affidavit, Anthony admitted to the stabbing, claiming it was an act of self-defense. The Collin County District Attorney, Greg Willis, indicated that the case may be presented to a grand jury by the end of June to determine if it will proceed to trial.

A Community in Mourning

The news of Austin’s death sent shockwaves through Frisco, a city known for its strong sense of community and pride in its schools. Hundreds gathered at a local church the evening after the stabbing to honor Austin’s memory, reflecting the profound impact he had on those around him. Students, teachers, and community members have rallied around the Metcalf family, offering condolences, prayers, and support. Social media posts on X have echoed this sentiment, with users describing Austin as a “peacemaker” and a beloved figure among his peers. One post from @conservmillen read, “Today in Frisco, TX: 17-year-old Austin Metcalf was stabbed to death by a classmate at a track meet. Hunter’s twin brother describes him as a ‘peacemaker’ who was loved by his friends. Absolutely tragic. Pray for his family.”

Frisco Independent School District (ISD) issued a statement expressing their grief and commitment to supporting the community. “We are devastated by the loss of one of our students,” the district said. “Our thoughts are with the Metcalf family, and we are providing counseling and support services to students and staff during this difficult time.” However, the district has faced scrutiny over its security measures, with Austin’s father questioning how a knife was brought into the event. “I am concerned with the lack of security. How does someone bring a knife to a track meet?” Jeff Metcalf asked in an interview with CBS News. The district has not yet provided specific details about the security protocols in place at the time of the incident.

A Haunting Detail

Among the many heartbreaking aspects of this tragedy, one detail stands out as particularly gut-wrenching: Austin’s twin brother, Hunter, not only witnessed the attack but held his brother in his arms as he took his final breaths. The bond between identical twins is often described as profound, and for Hunter, the loss of Austin is a wound that may never fully heal. “I tried to whip around as fast as I could,” Hunter recounted to WFAA. “I looked at my brother, and I’m not going to talk about the rest. I tried to help him.” The image of Hunter desperately trying to save his twin has resonated deeply with the community, serving as a stark reminder of the human toll of this senseless act of violence.

Hunter’s account has added a layer of poignancy to an already devastating story. The twins were inseparable, sharing not only their appearance but also their passions for football, hunting, and their faith. Jeff Metcalf shared that the brothers had grown up doing everything together, from playing sports to spending weekends with their father in the outdoors. The loss of Austin has left Hunter “crushed,” in his father’s words, and the family is leaning on their faith and community support to navigate their grief.

Honoring Austin’s Legacy

The memorial service on Saturday at Hope Fellowship Frisco East, where Austin attended church and participated in a youth group, will be a celebration of his life and legacy. The family has requested that attendees focus on commemorating Austin’s positive impact rather than dwelling on the circumstances of his death. “Tragedies inevitably raise questions that remain unanswered,” the Metcalf family said in a statement. “We will entrust the detectives handling the investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding Austin’s passing, while our family, Hunter, and I prioritize commemorating and honoring Austin.”

In lieu of flowers, the family has encouraged donations to a scholarship fund established in Austin’s name, which will support other young athletes pursuing their dreams. The fund, accessible through Hope Fellowship’s website, has already received an outpouring of contributions, reflecting the community’s desire to keep Austin’s memory alive. “Austin was a kind-hearted student, leaving traces of joy and warmth in every moment shared,” his obituary reads. The scholarship aims to embody that spirit, helping others achieve the goals Austin held dear.

Questions of Safety and Justice

As the community prepares to say goodbye to Austin, questions about safety at school-sponsored events have taken center stage. The fact that a knife was brought into Kuykendall Stadium has raised concerns among parents and residents, with many calling for increased security measures at future events. Frisco ISD has confirmed that Karmelo Anthony was a participant in the track meet, but they have not elaborated on how he was able to bring a weapon into the venue.

The legal proceedings against Anthony will likely be closely watched. His claim of self-defense has been met with skepticism by some, including North Texas criminal defense attorney Philip Linder, who noted that the absence of evidence suggesting Austin posed a deadly threat could undermine Anthony’s defense. “If there is no evidence of the young man who died having a deadly weapon, or threatening to do serious harm to this kid, then he has no business using a knife,” Linder told CBS News. The grand jury’s decision will be pivotal in determining whether the case moves forward to trial.

Jeff Metcalf, despite his grief, has expressed a remarkable sense of forgiveness toward the suspect. “I’ve already forgiven the person that stabbed him. God’s gonna take care of everything,” he told FOX 4. “I feel for their family because now their son will probably wind up in prison and learn that he killed someone, and he devastated and took my son that I can never get back.” This act of grace in the face of unimaginable loss has resonated with many in the community, highlighting the strength of the Metcalf family’s faith.

A Community United

The tragedy has brought Frisco together in a profound way, with residents rallying to support the Metcalf family through fundraisers, vigils, and heartfelt messages. Posts on X have captured the community’s grief, with users sharing memories of Austin and calling for prayers for his family. The hashtag #JusticeForAustin has begun to circulate, reflecting a desire for accountability while honoring Austin’s memory.

As Saturday’s memorial service approaches, the focus remains on celebrating Austin’s life. His love for football, his dedication to his teammates, and his infectious positivity will be remembered by all who attend. The scholarship fund in his name ensures that his legacy will endure, inspiring future generations of athletes to pursue their dreams with the same passion and determination that defined Austin Metcalf.

In a city forever changed by this tragedy, the memory of Austin—a kind-hearted student, a talented athlete, and a beloved son and brother—will live on in the hearts of those who knew him. As Frisco gathers to say goodbye, they do so with a commitment to honor his life and ensure that his light continues to shine through the community he loved.