Hunter and Austin Metcalf, twin brothers, arrived at David Kuykendall Stadium in Frisco, Texas, early on April 2nd, excited to support Austin as he participated in the shot-put and discus throw competitions. The identical twins, Hunter and Austin, were merely juniors at Memorial High School. Hunter was born four minutes after Austin, and the two had always been together, sharing everything from childhood experiences to the football field, where Austin had won MVP.
The brothers were lounging beneath the tent of their school just before ten in the morning when a student from another school happened to wander in. After courteously requesting him to relocate, Austin was confronted by Centennial High School’s Anthony Karmel. Witnesses said that after Karmel challenged Austin, saying, “Touch me and see what happens,” he took a knife out of his rucksack, stabbed Austin once in the chest, and then ran away.
When Hunter heard Austin’s scream, he turned to see his brother lying in a pool of blood. In an attempt to halt the bleeding, Hunter pushed his hands against the cut while tears ran down his cheeks. He would later remember, his voice cracking, “I tried to help him.” Although he was not permitted to travel in the ambulance, he kept Austin close until emergency personnel arrived. Austin was left behind while their father, Jeff Metcalf, sent Hunter to the hospital.
At the hospital, Jeff discovered the unimaginable: Austin had died in his twin’s arms from his wounds, despite the medical staff’s best efforts to save his life. Jeff characterized Austin as “a bright young man whose smile would light up the room” in a GoFundMe campaign, and the community’s initial shock soon gave way to sorrow and unity.
Still in shock after the loss, Hunter described the sibling he had always admired as “my big brother, even though we were the same age.” For him, I would have done anything. He found it difficult to comprehend how such violence could result from a short debate. With tears in his eyes, Hunter remarked, “He was strong—stronger than me—and he was always there for me.”
Karmel, meanwhile, threw the knife into the bleachers and was caught. He informed cops, “I’m not alleged, I did it,” and even inquired as to whether Austin would live, according to ABC News. Later, he claimed to have defended himself. The 17-year-old is charged with first-degree murder, and a $1,000,000 bond has been set.
In the wake of Austin’s passing, Memorial High School and the community at large have come together to support Hunter and the Metcalf family. Neighbors, coaches, and teammates have all recalled Austin’s unwavering brotherly relationship, competitive energy, and kindness. The outpouring of love and support is a monument to the influence Austin made in his sixteen years, even though words cannot heal the loss left by his unexpected death.
