The town of Frisco, Texas is mourning the devastating and senseless loss of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf, a beloved high school athlete whose life was stolen in a moment of violence at what should have been a celebration of youth and sport.
It was the morning of April 2nd at David Kuykendall Stadium, where high school track teams gathered for competition. Among the athletes were identical twins, Austin and Hunter Metcalf, students at Memorial High School and inseparable since birth. The brothers, just four minutes apart in age, had been preparing for the discus and shot-put events—unaware that within hours, one of them would be gone forever.
“We’ve never done anything apart,” said Hunter, his voice shaking through tears. “Since we were born, it’s always been me and him. Like we were one person in two bodies.”
Hunter recounted their final moments together. The two had been resting under their school’s tent when a student from another school—17-year-old Karmelo Anthony from Centennial High—entered without invitation. Hunter says they politely asked him to leave, but the situation quickly escalated.
“He started getting loud, throwing attitude, and Austin stepped in like he always did—to protect me. Told the guy he needed to move,” Hunter said. “The kid looked at us and said, ‘Make me.’”
According to multiple witnesses, Anthony threatened, “Touch me and see what happens.” Then, without warning, he reached into his backpack, pulled out a black knife, and stabbed Austin directly in the chest.
Hunter was still turning around when the blade struck his twin. “I didn’t even see it happen. I turned, and he was already bleeding. I just held him,” Hunter said, breaking down. “I was trying to stop the bleeding. I didn’t want to let him go.”
Emergency responders quickly arrived, but in the chaos, they pulled Hunter away and prevented him from riding in the ambulance. “I just wanted to stay with him. I didn’t want to leave him alone,” he said.
Their father, Jeff Metcalf, rushed Hunter to the hospital, only to be met with the heartbreaking truth. “They were born together, and Austin died in his brother’s arms,” Jeff shared with NBC News. “He was a light in every room. He had that rare spark that made people feel like they mattered.”
Austin, remembered by teammates and coaches as both a fierce athlete and a natural leader, was known for his strength—both physical and emotional. He played linebacker with unmatched determination, but it was his kindness and loyalty that truly defined him.
On a GoFundMe page set up in Austin’s memory, his father described him as “a leader of men,” a young man whose courage extended beyond the football field. “His smile could change your whole day,” Jeff wrote.
Despite the best efforts of doctors, Austin’s wound proved fatal. A single stab to the heart ended a life full of promise.
“I was with him at the end,” Hunter said. “I hope he knew how much I loved him. I always looked up to him. Even if we were the same age, he was my big brother.”
Now, Hunter faces his senior year alone—a painful contrast to the future they had planned together. “This was supposed to be our last season side by side,” he said. “I can’t imagine stepping on the field without him.”
The suspect, Karmelo Anthony, allegedly confessed to the attack while in custody, reportedly telling police, “I did it.” Though he later claimed it was in self-defense, he was charged with first-degree murder, and his bond has been set at $1 million.
As the community continues to grapple with the shock and grief, tributes for Austin have poured in—memories of his warmth, his grit, and above all, the unbreakable bond he shared with his twin.
Hunter, now left with only half of the whole he’d always known, continues to speak for the brother who can no longer speak for himself.
“He was everything to me,” he said. “And now… half of me is missing.”
May Austin Metcalf be remembered not just for the tragedy of his death, but for the extraordinary life he lived and the love he gave so freely. 💔
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