A Texas family is mourning the death of a 17-year-old student who was fatally stabbed during a track meet after an apparent dispute over seating.

Austin Metcalf, a 17-year-old, was fatally stabbed in the heart on Wednesday at Kuykendall Stadium in Frisco during a championship track and field event. According to police reports, Metcalf was involved in a confrontation with Karmelo Anthony, also 17, who was sitting under a tent meant for Memorial High School.

Metcalf was identified as a junior football player at Memorial, whereas Anthony was from Centennial High School, as reported by WFAA. An affidavit revealed that after being informed he was in the wrong spot, Anthony reached into his bag.

A witness reported hearing him say, “Touch me and see what happens.”

A witness mentioned that Metcalf touched Anthony, who then invited Metcalf to hit him. Allegedly, Metcalf attempted to grab Anthony to force him to move. It was at this point that Anthony retrieved a black knife from his bag and stabbed Metcalf in the chest before running away, according to the witness.

Another witness gave a similar account, according to the affidavit.

When officers confronted Anthony, he told them, “I was protecting myself,” and said Metcalf “put his hand on [him].” When referred to as the alleged suspect, Anthony responded, “I’m not alleged. I did it.”

Metcalf’s identical twin brother, Hunter, witnessed the stabbing and tried to save him.

Their father, Jeff Metcalf, told The New York Post, “His brother was holding on to him, trying to make it stop bleeding, and he died in his brother’s arms.”

Jeff Metcalf said he rushed his son to the hospital.

“I could see all the blood, and I saw where the wound was,” he said. “We prayed, and it’s God’s plan. I don’t understand it, but they weren’t able to save him. This is murder.”

Austin Metcalf had a 4.0 GPA and was named “Most Valuable Player” of his football team. He had hoped to play college football and had interest from multiple schools.

“He was a bright young man with a great future ahead of him,” Jeff Metcalf said. “He was a leader of men. His smile would light up the room. His passion for football was unbelievable. We will all remember him for the way he impacted others’ lives.”

Anthony also played football and had offers from Division III colleges, according to social media. His father said Anthony worked two jobs and had a 3.7 GPA.

“He was not the aggressor. He was not the one who started it,” Anthony’s father said. “Everyone has already made their assumptions about my son, but he’s not what they’re making him out to be.”

He added, “I feel bad for the other parents and family, and words can’t explain how both families have been affected by this tragedy.”

Despite the loss, Jeff Metcalf expressed forgiveness. “You know what, I already forgive this person. Already,” he said. “God takes care of things. God is going to take care of me. God is going to take care of my family.”

Authorities arrested Anthony, who is being held at the Collin County Jail. He faces a first-degree murder charge and is being held on $1 million bail.

[Feature Photo: Austin Metcalf/Memorial High School]