FRISCO, Texas — A tragic incident unfolded during a high school track meet on April 2, 2025, when a 17-year-old student was fatally stabbed by another student in Frisco, a suburb of Dallas. The altercation occurred around 10 a.m. at the David Kuykendall Stadium, where the District 11-5A championship track meet was in progress, featuring over 100 athletes from eight schools within the Frisco Independent School District.
The victim, identified as Austin Metcalf, an 11th grader at Memorial High School, was transported to a local hospital but succumbed to his injuries shortly thereafter. According to police reports, the suspect, Karmelo Anthony, also 17 and a student at Centennial High School, was taken into custody and charged with murder, a first-degree felony. As of the latest updates, no bond has been set for Anthony, who is currently held at the city jail before being transferred to Collin County jail.
The Frisco Police Department confirmed that the incident stemmed from an altercation between the two students, although the specific circumstances leading to the stabbing remain unclear. Officer Grant Cottingham, a police spokesman, stated that the investigation is ongoing, and they are collaborating with the Frisco ISD to provide support during this difficult time.
Witnesses reported a chaotic scene as emergency responders rushed to administer lifesaving measures, including CPR and blood transfusions, but unfortunately, Metcalf was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital. His father, Jeff Metcalf, expressed his heartbreak, recounting how his son died in the arms of his twin brother at the scene. "I rushed up there and I saw him on the gurney and I could tell — they said he wasn’t breathing. I could see all the blood, and I saw where the wound was, and I was very concerned," he told KXAS-TV (NBC5).
Metcalf was well-regarded among his peers and teachers, being a member of both the track and football teams, as well as the National Honor Society. His classmates remembered him as someone who was always laughing and very family-oriented. Haleigh Phillips, a sophomore at Memorial, shared, "I think everyone can agree that he was an amazing person, and I think that shows right now the most." A prayer vigil was held for Metcalf later that evening at Hope Fellowship in Frisco, where friends and family gathered to honor his memory.
In response to the incident, Frisco ISD took immediate action by suspending the track meet and securing the stadium. Students were safely transported back to their home campuses via bus. The district communicated with parents about the situation, emphasizing that counselors would be available for students in the aftermath of this tragedy.
The UIL (University Interscholastic League), which oversees academic and athletic competitions in Texas, expressed its sorrow over the incident, stating, "Our thoughts go out to those impacted." The district track meet that was interrupted on Wednesday is scheduled to resume on April 7, 2025, at Little Elm High School, with only event finals taking place. The area-round meet is still set for April 9, 2025, at Standridge Stadium in Carrollton, though officials indicated that this could change depending on the circumstances.
Community reactions have been profound, with many expressing their grief and disbelief over the violence that occurred at what is typically a celebratory event. State Representative Jared Patterson, who represents Frisco, shared his condolences, stating, "My thoughts are with the family of the victim and the entirety of Frisco ISD. I am grateful for the first responders who responded to this emergency and look forward to working with them to address any further concerns." Parents have voiced their frustrations regarding communication from the school, with some feeling that they were not adequately informed about the situation until they heard it from their children or the news.
As the investigation continues, the Frisco Police Department urges anyone with information about the incident to contact their non-emergency number or submit tips via text. The community is left grappling with the aftermath of this senseless act of violence, which has cast a shadow over what should have been a day of athletic achievement and camaraderie.
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for dialogue around youth violence and conflict resolution. As families, friends, and the broader community mourn the loss of Austin Metcalf, they are also left to ponder how such a tragedy could occur in a place meant for celebration and sportsmanship.
