A 17-year-old student was fatally stabbed during an altercation at a high school track meet in Frisco, Texas, on Wednesday, April 2, 2025. The incident occurred at approximately 10 a.m. at David Kuykendall Stadium, where students from eight of the Frisco Independent School District's twelve schools were competing in the District 11-5A track and field championships.
The victim, identified as Austin Metcalf, was an eleventh grader at Frisco Memorial High School and was well-regarded as a standout athlete, having been the MVP of the school's football team and maintaining a 4.0 GPA. He also participated in track. Tragically, despite immediate lifesaving efforts by police and fire personnel, Metcalf succumbed to his injuries.
The suspect, Karmelo Anthony, also 17 years old, is a student at Frisco Centennial High School. He has been charged with first-degree murder and is currently in custody at the city jail. As of the latest reports, no bond has been set for Anthony, and it remains unclear whether he has legal representation.
The Frisco Police Department confirmed that they are working closely with the Frisco Independent School District to provide support during this difficult time. A spokesperson for the department expressed condolences, stating, "The Frisco Police Department grieves with all those affected by this devastating loss and extends its deepest condolences to the victim's family, students, and staff who are experiencing unimaginable pain."
In an email to the school community, Frisco ISD described the incident as an "unprecedented situation." They extended their sympathies to the Metcalf family and the entire school community, stating, "Frisco ISD shares in the grief of everyone impacted by this heartbreaking loss." Memorial High School plans to acknowledge Metcalf's tragic death and offer support to students throughout the day following the incident.
As news of the stabbing spread, Austin Metcalf's name became a trending topic online, with many friends and classmates sharing their memories and condolences on social media. His final Instagram post, made 27 weeks ago, showcased him celebrating a victory during a football game, captioned simply "My space." It has since garnered over 2,000 likes and hundreds of comments from friends and strangers alike, expressing sorrow and wishing for his peace.
Hunter Metcalf, Austin's identical twin brother, witnessed the stabbing and described the traumatic experience in emotional posts on social media. He shared a heartfelt tribute, writing, "My heart is still in ache and denial. But you were my partner in crime. When I was down, you were there no matter what. You were the most loyal person I’ve ever known. You were so caring it hurts I couldn’t do more to save you man."
Friends and teammates have also spoken out about Austin's impact on their lives. Jalaal Abdullah, a teammate, referred to him as "a true inspiration" and highlighted how Austin's dedication and spirit motivated him to continue playing football during challenging times. Abdullah noted, "He always found a way to bring the very best out of everyone, including me. He breathed life into everybody around him."
Jackson Childers, another close friend, expressed his grief in a series of posts, stating, "I love you so much. Idk what I’m gonna do without u." In a message shared at a prayer vigil held at Hope Fellowship Church in Frisco, Jackson described Austin as a brother and pledged to honor his memory.
The community has rallied in support of the Metcalf family, with a GoFundMe campaign launched to help cover funeral expenses. The campaign has received an outpouring of support from friends, family, and community members, reflecting the deep impact Austin had on those around him.
Texas state Representative Jared Patterson, who represents the Frisco area, expressed his heartbreak over the tragedy, stating, "Austin Metcalf was among the best of what Frisco ISD had to offer. I just can’t imagine the hate that was brought to that stadium Wednesday morning, but I pray for peace and love for our community during this time of immeasurable grief."
The University Interscholastic League (UIL), which oversees high school athletics in Texas, also released a statement expressing their sorrow over the incident. They stated, "UIL staff is in communication with district officials to provide support and assistance during this time. Our thoughts go out to those impacted."
As the community mourns the loss of a promising young life, questions remain about the circumstances that led to the tragic altercation. Frisco police have urged anyone with information about the incident to come forward. Meanwhile, the investigation continues as the community seeks to heal from this senseless act of violence.
In the aftermath, the Frisco ISD has pledged to provide ongoing support for students and staff affected by the tragedy. As they navigate this unprecedented situation, the district is committed to fostering an environment of healing and remembrance for Austin Metcalf.
