Hunter Metcalf fought back tears as he shared the devastating moment when he held his twin brother Austin in his arms after he was stabbed in the chest during a school track meet. Austin, a dedicated athlete and football standout, tragically lost his life after the incident, leaving his family and community in deep sorrow.
The tragedy occurred on the morning of April 2 at the David Kuykendall Stadium in Frisco, Texas. Hunter and Austin, both juniors at Memorial High School near Dallas, were preparing for their events in the school’s tent when another student, who didn’t belong there, walked in. Hunter described how he and Austin, who were incredibly close, tried to get the student to leave their space.
According to Hunter, the boy became confrontational, refusing to move. Austin stepped in to ask him to leave more firmly, but the situation quickly escalated. Witnesses say the other student, later identified as Anthony Karmel from Centennial High School, threatened Austin and then pulled a knife from his backpack, stabbing him in the chest before fleeing the scene.
Hunter, who was standing nearby, didn’t see the stabbing happen but instantly realized something was terribly wrong. He rushed to his brother’s side and tried desperately to stop the bleeding. Overcome with emotion, Hunter said he did everything he could to help, holding Austin until emergency responders arrived and took over.
As paramedics worked to save his life, Hunter wasn’t allowed to ride in the ambulance. Their father, Jeff Metcalf, quickly arrived to be with his sons, but the worst had already happened. Austin died from the injury before reaching the hospital.
Jeff described the heartbreaking moment to the media, saying his son passed away in his brother’s arms. On a GoFundMe page set up in Austin’s memory, Jeff called him a shining light, someone whose smile could brighten any room.
Hunter remembers his brother not just as a teammate or sibling, but as his other half — his role model. Despite being born only four minutes apart, Hunter always saw Austin as the “big brother.” He admired his strength, leadership, and character, and now struggles to imagine life without him, especially as they were about to enter their final year of high school together.
He shared how hard it will be stepping onto the football field next season without Austin by his side. The two had always played sports together, pushing each other to be better. Austin, a star linebacker, was known for his talent and dedication — someone Hunter said he always tried to keep up with.
Reflecting on the violence that took his brother’s life, Hunter expressed disbelief that such a small argument could end in such a horrible way. He said he had never met the other teen before that brief, tragic encounter that lasted no more than 30 seconds.
After the stabbing, police arrested Karmel, who reportedly threw the knife into the bleachers before being taken away. According to reports, he admitted to the attack, telling officers, “I’m not alleged, I did it.” He claimed self-defense but also expressed concern about Austin’s condition while in custody.
Karmel, a 17-year-old from Frisco, has been charged with murder, a first-degree felony. His bond has been set at $1,000,000.
As the community mourns Austin’s loss, messages of support continue to pour in for his family. Friends, classmates, and loved ones remember him as a talented athlete and a kind soul whose future was full of promise.
Rest in peace, Austin. If this story moved you, please take a moment to share your thoughts and condolences with the Metcalf family and help spread the word in memory of a young life gone too soon.
