Texas High School Student Stabbed to Death While at a Track Meet

The community of Frisco, Texas, is left shaken after a tragic event that unfolded during what should have been a celebration of student athleticism. On April 2nd, 2025, at 10 AM, 17-year-old Austin Metcalf was fatally stabbed during a high school track meet. What began as a simple misunderstanding turned into a heartbreaking loss of life.

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A Disagreement That Turned Deadly in Texas

According to police and witness reports, the incident started when Austin noticed another student was in the wrong tent. As he tried to explain the mistake, a confrontation broke out. Authorities say that’s when fellow competitor, 17-year-old Karmelo Anthony, pulled out a knife and stabbed Austin in the chest.

The biggest question now: how did a weapon make its way into a school district-sanctioned stadium event?

A Texas Twin’s Brave Attempt to Save His Brother

Austin’s twin brother, Hunter, acted fast. With his brother bleeding, Hunter applied pressure to the wound until emergency responders arrived. Sadly, his efforts weren’t enough to save Austin’s life.

Austin’s mother, in an emotional interview with WFAA, described her son as “incredible,” both as an athlete and as a person. Speaking with FOX4, his father echoed what many parents feel: heartbreak and disbelief. “This wasn’t supposed to happen. School events are supposed to be safe,” he said. “My son was just trying to do the right thing.”

A Knife Law Reminder for All Texans

While this incident raises many questions about safety protocols, one reminder is crucial for all Texas parents: it is illegal for a minor to possess or carry a knife in Texas. State law requires a person to be 18 years or older to legally carry most knives—whether a folding pocketknife or a fixed-blade.

Two Texas Families Forever Changed

As a father of eight myself, three boys and five girls, I can't begin to imagine what the Metcalfs are going through. No parent should ever have to bury a child. That’s not the natural order of life. But as we mourn for Austin’s family, let us not forget the pain on the other side as well.

Karmelo Anthony’s parents will now only see their son through a glass pane or between prison bars. Two families are broken. Two futures have been forever changed.

A Plea to Texas Parents and Children

This tragedy forces us to take a hard look at how we’re raising and supporting our kids. Are we teaching them how to manage their emotions? Are we creating safe spaces for open dialogue? Are we making sure they understand that no argument is ever worth a life?

To every Texas parent: take a moment today to hug your child a little tighter. Have that difficult talk. Teach them the value of respect, patience, and walking away. We can’t take back what’s happened in Frisco, but maybe, just maybe, we can prevent it from happening again.

Final Thoughts from a Father’s Heart

As I write this, I can’t stop the tears. I keep thinking about that empty chair at the Metcalf dinner table. I keep thinking about Austin’s twin, Hunter, who now has to move through life without his other half. And I keep thinking about what Austin’s dad said best: “He’s not really gone. He’s just moved on to the next chapter. And we’ll meet up with him again.”

Let’s love our children fiercely. Let’s protect them with more than rules, let’s guide them with wisdom. And above all, let’s make sure Texas never forgets Austin Metcalf’s name.

Source, Video Credit:

• FOX 4 News – Interview with Austin’s father
• WFAA Dallas – Interview with Austin’s mother and twin brother Hunter

Our thoughts and prayers are with all the families and students in Frisco, Texas.