On the morning of April 2, twin brothers Hunter and Austin Metcalf arrived at David Kuykendall Stadium in Frisco, Texas, eager to cheer on Austin as he competed in the discus throw and shot‑put events. Just juniors at Memorial High School, the identical twins had always been inseparable—Hunter born just four minutes after Austin, they shared everything from childhood adventures to the football field, where Austin had earned MVP honors.
Shortly before 10 a.m., the brothers were relaxing under their school’s tent when a student from another school wandered in. After politely asking him to move, Austin found himself face‑to‑face with Anthony Karmel of Centennial High School. According to witnesses, tempers flared when Karmel challenged Austin—“Touch me and see what happens”—then pulled a knife from his backpack and stabbed Austin once in the chest before fleeing the scene.
Hunter spun around at the sound of Austin’s cry, only to see his brother collapsing in a pool of blood. With tears streaming down his face, Hunter pressed his hands against the wound, desperate to stop the bleeding. “I tried to help him,” he would later recall, his voice breaking. He held Austin close until first responders arrived, but he wasn’t allowed to ride in the ambulance. Their father, Jeff Metcalf, rushed Hunter to the hospital, leaving Austin behind.
At the hospital, Jeff learned the unthinkable: despite the life‑saving efforts of medical staff, Austin had succumbed to his injuries, dying in his twin’s arms. In a GoFundMe appeal, Jeff described Austin as “a bright young man whose smile would light up the room,” and the community’s shock quickly turned to grief and solidarity.
Hunter, still reeling from the loss, spoke of the brother he’d always looked up to: “He was my big brother, even though we were the same age. I would have done anything for him.” He struggled to understand how a brief argument could end in such violence. “He was strong—stronger than me—and he was always there for me,” Hunter said, tears in his eyes.
Meanwhile, Karmel was apprehended after tossing the knife into the bleachers. According to ABC News, he told police, “I’m not alleged, I did it,” and even asked officers if Austin would survive. He later claimed self‑defense. The 17‑year‑old faces a first‑degree murder charge, with bond set at $1,000,000.
As Memorial High School and the wider community mourn Austin’s death, they have rallied around Hunter and the Metcalf family. Coaches, teammates, and neighbors have shared memories of Austin’s fierce competitiveness, kind spirit, and unbreakable bond with his brother. Though no words can fill the void left by his sudden passing, the outpouring of love and support stands as a testament to the impact Austin made in his sixteen years.
Leave a Reply