Tragic Loss: Texas Football Star Austin Metcalf's Final Words on Faith Before Fatal Stabbing
Austin Metcalf, a promising young football star from Texas, shared a poignant message about his faith just days before a tragic incident that would take his life. In a heartfelt post on social media, he expressed his belief that hard work and faith would lead him to success, a sentiment that resonates deeply in light of the events that followed.
The 17-year-old athlete was fatally stabbed during a track and field championship at Kuykendall Stadium in Frisco, Texas, on April 2. This shocking event unfolded less than 48 hours after Metcalf shared his thoughts on faith and perseverance, stating, “Faith that God got me and my work will pay off,” in a post that has since garnered over 2.5 million views, many of which came after the tragic incident.
On that fateful day, Metcalf found himself in a heated confrontation with Karmelo Anthony, a fellow athlete who was also 17 years old. The two had never met prior to the event, but a dispute over seating escalated quickly. Metcalf confronted Anthony for sitting under the tent designated for Frisco Memorial High School, urging him to move. According to Metcalf's twin brother, Hunter, he stepped in to support his brother, saying, “You need to move.” Anthony's response was aggressive, challenging them with, “Make me move.”
In a shocking turn of events, Anthony pulled out a knife from his backpack and stabbed Metcalf in the chest. The entire altercation transpired in less than 30 seconds, leaving little time for anyone to react. Hunter Metcalf recounted the harrowing moment, revealing that he held his brother in his arms, desperately trying to stop the bleeding while waiting for emergency responders.
Metcalf's final post on social media was a stark contrast to the rest of his account, which primarily featured thank-you notes to football recruiters and updates about college camps. Earlier in the year, on January 31, he had shared a similar message of hope, urging others to “just be patient and trust God.”
As the situation unfolded, Hunter called their parents, who rushed to the hospital. Jeff Metcalf, Austin's father, described the scene as he saw his son being placed on a gurney, noting the severity of the situation. “I could see all the blood, and I saw where the wound was, and I was very concerned,” he said. Despite their prayers and hopes, Austin could not be saved. Jeff expressed his heartbreak, stating, “This is murder.”
Remembered as a leader and a scholar, Austin Metcalf maintained a 4.0 GPA and was awarded MVP for his football team during the fall season. His father shared a touching tribute on GoFundMe, stating, “He was a leader of men. His smile would light up the room. His passion for football was unbelievable.” He added, “We will all remember him for the way he impacted others’ lives. I love you forever, son. It’s not goodbye, it’s see you later. God will take care of us till we meet again.”
In the aftermath of the tragedy, Karmelo Anthony was arrested and charged with first-degree murder. He is currently being held at Collin County Jail with a bond set at $1 million. Anthony's father, Andrew, has publicly defended his son, describing him as a “good kid” and asserting that he was not the aggressor in the altercation. “Everyone has already made their assumptions about my son, but he’s not what they’re making him out to be,” he stated, emphasizing that the incident was a heat-of-the-moment mistake.
Both families are grappling with the devastating consequences of this incident, with Andrew Anthony expressing his sympathy for the Metcalf family. “I feel bad for the other parents and family, and words can’t explain how both families have been affected by this tragedy,” he said. The loss of Austin Metcalf has left a profound impact on his community, highlighting the fragility of life and the importance of faith and resilience in the face of adversity.
